Paste and slurry production

Paste dispersion and production is a crucial step in many branches of industry, such as when manufacturing paints & coatings, pharmaceutical & cosmetic products, and even in the food processing industry. Effective dispersion ensures the uniform distribution of particles and components in the paste, resulting in improved quality and performance. All ingredients must be carefully matched to optimize mixing and homogenization. The finer the particle size range, the more stable the paste.

Modern dispersion and measurement equipment are used to optimize this process. From dissolver stirrers and planetary mixers to intensive mixers and in-line dispersers, there is a wide range of solutions tailored to individual requirements and production scales. By deploying such state-of-the-art dispersion equipment, not only can the desired rheological properties of the paste be achieved, but also energy and time requirements can be minimized.

Our experienced team can analyze your specific needs and develop the optimal dispersion strategy for your paste and application.  

Optimized slurries for energy storage systems

Manufacturing electrodes for energy storage systems calls for the precise matching of active material, conductive carbon black and binder, which are usually in powder form. In order to combine these components into a liquid electrode paste (slurry), thorough dispersion and homogenization is essential.

Effective dispersion ensures that the components are evenly distributed in the slurry and minimizes the need for additives that could adversely affect the electrode’s performance. Dispersion has an impact on important properties such as the required electrode thickness, electrical conductivity and, in particular, the adhesion of the electrode to the substrate. To optimize the manufacturing process, we deploy state-of-the-art dispersion and measurement equipment and examine both the properties of the paste (electrical and electrochemical properties, particle size distribution, solids content and rheology) and relevant process parameters (acting shear force and energy input).

Networking and digitization

Digital data acquisition and in-line quality control using machine learning in the continuous process for producing pastes and slurries.

Data analysis and AI solutions optimize existing dispersion processes

Analyzing dispersion process data not only improves the dispersion needed to manufacture battery cells, but it also helps to significantly reduce rejects.

The process and quality data collected can be utilized to study cause-and-effect relationships and enhance understanding of effects on the process and the quality of the dispersion. The insights gained are used in the development and implementation of AI solutions. These, in turn, automatically record the process parameters and quality in real time, perform an evaluation and generate process parameter recommendations for the operator to optimize the quality of the dispersion process.

Fraunhofer IPA advises and assists companies in networking production facilities and quality equipment, digitizing the dispersion process, implementing AI-based solutions, and optimizing the overall process.

Get in touch with us to find out more about the possibilities of digitalization and optimization in dispersion processes.