Mixing of Kanematsu KGK Co., Ltd.,

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LITHIUM-ION BATTERY

Mixing

The manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries includes a "Mixing" process, in which the electrode active materials for positive or negative electrode are mixed with solvents, binders, conductive additives, water, etc. using a mixer to form a slurry.

2.Overview
In the Mixing process, slurry for electrodes is manufactured. In the positive electrode slurry, lithium compounds (such as LiCoO2 or LiFePO4), conductive additives (such as carbon black), and binders (such as polyvinylidene fluoride: PVDF) are mixed with solvents. In the negative electrode slurry, negative electrode materials such as graphite are mixed with solvents.

In this process, special mixing equipment and techniques are used to efficiently mix slurries with high viscosity. The mixing conditions (rotation speed, temperature, time, etc.) are carefully controlled as they have a significant impact on the characteristics of the materials and the performance of the final product.

3.Importance
The Mixing process is a crucial step in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries as it directly impacts their performance, lifespan, and safety.

Insufficient uniformity of mixing can result in localized material segregation within the electrodes, leading to decreased battery capacity and accelerated degradation during charge-discharge cycles. Failure to achieve proper dispersion of fine particles can cause uneven conductivity, increased internal resistance, and a higher risk of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the Mixing process also affects production efficiency. Without proper mixing, there is a risk of reduced yields in subsequent processes such as coating and drying, leading to an increase in defective products. Thus, the Mixing process is essential in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries to ensure the physical properties of the materials and achieve high-performance batteries.

4.Equipment
The equipment used in this process is mainly either batch-type or continuous-type, each with its own characteristics.

Batch-type

Materials are placed in a container and stirred for a set period of time. Representative equipment includes the mixers where single/multi axis blades rotate and revolve, or the container itself rotates and revolves, so called "planetary mixers".

○ Features
•High flexibility to mix materials with a wide range of viscosities.
•Precise control of the mixing process enables high-precision mixing, allowing for excellent quality control.
•Being an independent unit, it offers good cleanability and maintainability, making it suitable for multi-product manufacturing and research and development.

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Continuous Type

In the continuous type, raw materials are continuously fed into the equipment and undergo mixing for a certain period of time before being discharged continuously to the next process. There are various types of continuous mixers available, utilizing different mixing methods, depending on the equipment manufacturer.

○ Features
•High productivity thanks to the continuous process.
•Stable supply with consistent mixing quality by processing a large amount of materials at once.
•Suitable for automation and labor reduction as it allows for automation of material feeding and slurry transportation.

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