Meaning
Fluid deformation and flow behaviors govern the mixing and slot die coating of active materials, conductive carbons, and binders suspended in a solvent. Correct electrode slurry rheology prevents sediment formation while ensuring the wet mixture flows smoothly through the coating head. This property depends on shear thinning behavior, where viscosity decreases as flow velocity increases during application.
Sourcing managers evaluate these flow characteristics to optimize wet coating uniformity and line speed.
Viscosity Profile
High viscosity at low shear rates prevents the active particles from settling out during storage. Low viscosity at high shear rates allows the slurry to spread evenly on the foil.
Coating Process
Viscoelastic behavior determines how the wet slurry behaves after exiting the slot die nozzle. Elastic recovery must be controlled to prevent the edges of the coating from bead forming or necking.
Mixing Efficiency
Shear forces during mixing must be high enough to deagglomerate conductive carbon black. This dispersion is necessary to establish a conductive network throughout the dry electrode.
