LANXESS Exhibits Ion Exchange Resins for Battery Recycling at The Battery Show Europe

From June 18 to 20, LANXESS at Battery Show Europe showcases its wide range of products for the production of lithium-ion batteries and applications in the area of electromobility. These include numerous key raw materials and material solutions along the entire value chain.

Extensive Product Portfolio for Electromobility Segment:

The portfolio of the specialty chemicals company includes raw materials for cathode materials and electrolyte components, ion exchange resins for extracting ultra-pure metal compounds for cathode materials and battery recycling, coolants and colorants for high-voltage applications as well as casting compounds for protecting electronic battery components. Another key product area features flame retardants for high-performance plastics and non-flammable electrolytes that help to improve the safety of battery cells.

Battery Recycling with Lewatit® Resins

Lewatit® ion exchange resins from LANXESS have long been used in ore processing to extract and refine battery-grade nickel and cobalt and purify all types of lithium concentrate. These resins open up another application in the field of battery production – namely, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. “We produce selective Lewatit resins that can be used to purify battery-grade metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese extracted from black mass. They can then be reused for cathode materials,” explains Dr. Dirk Steinhilber, technical marketing manager in the Liquid Purification Technologies business unit at LANXESS.

Shift of Supply Chains

According to a recent analysis conducted by the Transport & Environment (T&E) agency, which operates throughout Europe, a shift of the supply chains from China to Europe may help to reduce the CO2 emissions released during the production of batteries by 37 percent. If, on top of that, electricity from renewable sources were used, a reduction of up to 60 percent would be possible. Thus, if the European demand for battery cells and components were produced in Europe, an estimated 133 million metric tons of CO2 could be saved by 2030.

LANXESS is a sustainable and reliable supplier of materials for European battery producers. “Thanks to our extensive portfolio of key raw materials and precursors as well as the existing assets in Europe, we can support the development of local value chains,” explains Dr. Harry Zumaqué, head of New Business Development at LANXESS Corporate Development. “Our expertise in process development also allows us to open up new fields in the area of battery recycling and thus actively promote sustainability in cell manufacturing and chemical production.”

LFP: A Sustainable Cathode Active Material

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) is becoming increasingly widespread as a cathode active material that offers a sustainable alternative to materials containing cobalt and nickel. At the moment, LFP batteries are being produced almost exclusively in China. Western OEMs are therefore in favor of establishing regional value chains with the aim of becoming more independent and securing supply to the markets with sustainable materials of local origin.

To reduce this dependency, LANXESS is now offering customized precursors for LFP synthesis. These include new iron oxide battery grades as well as iron phosphate, which LANXESS intends to start producing. With a production capacity of over 300,000 metric tons annually, the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of iron oxides and operates as a major producer sites in Germany and Brazil, for example. “The majority of iron oxide manufactured outside China comes from LANXESS production sites,” says Stefano Bartolucci, Head of the Specialties market segment in the Inorganic Pigments (IPG) business unit. LANXESS currently offers two field-tested iron oxide battery grades under the brand name Bayoxide. In terms of purity, surface properties, crystallinity and particle size, they are produced in a way that enables optimum electrochemical properties for the cathode materials. IPG also intends to establish itself as a supplier of iron phosphate, which is also used in LFP synthesis and for which there is currently only limited capacity.

Flame Retardants for Plastic Components

High-performance plastics used for applications in electric vehicles, for example in battery modules and battery housings, high-voltage connectors and components in the field of charging infrastructure, need particularly effective flame-retardant properties. To ensure this, LANXESS offers numerous phosphorus-based and bromine-based flame retardants for various polymers.

Orange Plastics to Ensure Safety

The signal color orange is used for high-voltage components in electric cars to ensure the safety and protection of mechanics and first responders, whether during maintenance and assembly work or during rescue operations after an accident. The plastics dyed with BAYPLAST Orange TP LXS 51137 offer excellent color stability even at high temperatures.

Other Offerings at the Show

During the fast charging of vehicle batteries, considerable amounts of heat are generated, which must be effectively dissipated to prevent subsequent damage. To achieve this, the battery cells are cooled directly by immersion coolant. Here, LANXESS can leverage its expertise in thermal fluid management with highly suited products: Synthetic fluids such as phosphoric esters are electrically non-conductive and highly flame resistant. These properties are essential to ensure safety at all times during fast charging.

Leverkusen-based LANXESS subsidiary Saltigo produces electrolyte formulations for lithium-ion batteries in cooperation with Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co. (Tinci). The Chinese company, which is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of conducting salts and electrolytes, supplies European cell manufacturers with these ultra-pure formulations.

The production of conducting salts such as lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) for electrolyte formulations requires essential key raw materials. These include anhydrous hydrofluoric acids, phosphorus chemicals, thionyl chloride and fluorosulfuric acid. Here, LANXESS is one of the leading manufacturers and can contribute to set up a local conductive salt production for sustainable cell manufacturing in Europe with its integrated plant network at its Leverkusen site.

source: LANXESS/omnexus.specialchem.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:BMB PBAT

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

BASF Introduces New Biomass-balanced Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT)

BASF is now offering the packaging industry a way to increase the use of renewable feedstocks. It is expanding its portfolio of certified compostable biopolymers to include a biomass-balanced (BMB) ecoflex®, a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT). It is frequently used in the compounding of biopolymers.

60% Lower PCF than the Standard Product:

For the new ecoflex® F Blend C1200 BMB, the fossil raw materials that are usually used in the production process are replaced with renewable feedstock at the beginning of the value chain. The renewable feedstock comes from waste and residual biomass. It is attributed to the ecoflex® grade via a mass balance approach which is certified according to REDcert2 and ISCC PLUS. The biomass-balanced ecoflex® not only contributes to reducing the use of fossil resources, but it also offers a 60% lower Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) than the standard ecoflex® F Blend C1200.

Certified compostable products based on PBAT compounds help create a circular economy by supporting the collection and recycling of organic waste. However, in the production of PBAT, it is not yet possible to fully avoid the usage of fossil resources.

With ecoflex® BMB, BASF closes this gap and offers a solution that is organically recyclable at the end of life. In addition, its fossil feedstock is completely replaced with renewable raw materials at the very beginning of the production process. BASF is thus taking another step towards closing the biological loop of circular economy.

Same Quality and Performance as Conventional PBAT:

ecoflex® BMB enables customers in the packaging industry to contribute to the reduction of fossil resource consumption. It also enables them to differentiate their products without compromising on performance and quality, or the need for extra investment into new processing lines.

The BASF PBAT is identical to the conventional grade in properties, quality, and certification. As a result, customers do not need to re-qualify their applications made of ecoflex® BMB, reformulate the compounds or adapt their existing manufacturing processes. They can rely on the same performance to which they are accustomed and benefit from a drop-in solution.

“As a pioneer of biopolymers, we are continuously striving to support our customers in the transition to a circular economy with renewable resources,” says Marcel Philipp Barth, head of global business management Biopolymers at BASF. “Our ecoflex® BMB, an industry-first on the global biopolymers market, advances the sustainability efforts in the packaging industry by reducing the use of fossil resources, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and driving the use of renewable feedstock derived from organic waste and residual biomass. In this way, we help our customers make informed decisions about product design, thus shaping a more circular packaging value chain.”

Biomass Balance Approach:

In the biomass balance approach, part of the fossil feedstocks in the first steps of the manufacturing process is replaced by waste-based renewable resources. The renewable amount is then attributed to specific products at the end of the manufacturing process by means of a third-party certified method.

BASF has established a chain of custody from the renewable feedstock it uses through to the final product. An independent certification confirms that BASF has replaced the required quantities of fossil feedstock for the biomass balanced product that customers buy with renewable feedstock according to the REDcert2 and ISCC PLUS requirements.

source: BASF

source: BASF/omnexus.specialchem.com

Orion Launches High-jetness Carbon Black for Engineering Plastics

 Orion launches PRINTEX® chroma 500 BEADS, a high-jetness carbon black designed for the engineered plastics market that demands the highest aesthetic quality.

The new product is part of Orion’s continued investment in developing higher-value grades of carbon black.

Ideal for Applications with Shiny and Glossy Finish:

The beaded furnace black is also the start of a series of new specialty grades for the polymers market.

“PRINTEX® chroma 500 BEADS is a big breakthrough for Orion, offering an excellent balance between high jetness and dispersibility,” said Tilo Lindner, vice president of Global Marketing for Specialty at Orion.

“This is a product our customers have been demanding for a long time. It’s ideal for injection-molded automative parts, household appliances, electronics and other applications with a shiny, glossy finish.”

Orion can offer PRINTEX® chroma 500 BEADS with International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC PLUS), highlighting the company’s commitment toward a circular economy. Orion leads its industry with the number of carbon black production sites with the ISCC PLUS certification.

Source: Orion/polymer-additives.specialchem.com

SIMALFA China Wins Interzum Award for Debondable Mattress Adhesive

 SIMALFA® debonding adhesive from SIMALFA China has won the Interzum Award 2024 in the "ESG & Sustainability" category. This award highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Boosts Recyclability:

Peelable SIMALFA® debonding adhesive provides a solution that helps in the recyclability of mattresses, making production sustainable and efficient without the need for additional investments. It enables easy separation of mattress layers for upcycling and actively supports the circular economy by lowering material consumption and helping to reduce product carbon footprint.

A key advantage of SIMALFA® debonding adhesive is its seamless integration into existing production processes without the need for additional investments or complex adjustments. Production lines can therefore be switched to more eco-friendly alternatives quickly and without interruption.

The adhesive formulation enables the foam layers to be separated without leaving any residues. This is essential for the recycling of mattress materials to increase the service life of their valuable materials.

The low application quantity of the product ensures that material consumption can be significantly reduced. This not only leads to a reduction in production costs but also to a significant conservation of resources.

Features and Specifications of SIMALFA® Debonding Adhesive:

One-component water-based adhesive

Water-based polymer dispersion

Non-yellowing

Low adhesive application quantity

Ideal roller running properties

Short drying time

Fast processing

Single-sided adhesive application

High initial tack and final adhesion

Residue-free separation when dry

Inline production with heat tunnel

“Our goal at SIMALFA® is to stand out as a pioneer of sustainable bonding solutions, especially in view of the challenges of the European Green Deal and the stringent requirements made of the major market players. In SIMALFA®'s debonding adhesive, we offer our partners throughout their supply chains not only the opportunity to achieve their sustainability goals but also the means of strengthening their own market position by using our eco-conscious products,” said Thomas Simmler, CEO of SIMALFA China.

Source: SIMALFA China/adhesives.specialchem.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Recyclable resin to motorhome interiors

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share 

Swancor applies its recyclable resin to motorhome interiors 

Motorhomes, also known as ‘homes on wheels,’ combine the functionalities of both a house and a vehicle. They are widely used for comfortable and convenient long-distance road trips and camping adventures.

Cabo Advanced Composite Materials Co., Ltd., based in Changshu, in China’s Jiangsu province, serves both domestic and international markets, dedicated to providing high-quality and advanced motorhome products and services. The motorhome interiors replace traditional metal materials with resin fibre composite materials, resulting in lightweight, durable, shock-absorbing, noise-reducing, and aesthetically versatile features.

In this collaboration, Swancor New Materials utilises the EzCiclo recyclable thermosetting epoxy infusion resin RB511-A/BS, combined with glass fibre, PVC core material, and lightweight wood, using an integrated moulding infusion process. This solution not only enhances product performance but also provides a pathway for customers to achieve a low-carbon economy, aligning with the increasing environmental demands and carbon reduction policies in both domestic and European markets.

The EzCiclo recyclable thermosetting epoxy resin addresses the historical challenge of non-degradable recycling in thermoset composite materials. Notably, it requires no alteration to existing production processes or equipment, ensures recyclability, minimises secondary pollution, and significantly reduces the carbon footprint.

When motorhome components made from Swancor’s EzCiclo recyclable thermosetting epoxy resin reach the end of their service life, they can be recycled and degraded using CleaVER dissolution technology. This process converts waste into regenerated fibres and oligomers. The regenerated fibres can be reprocessed and reused, ultimately forming glass fibre or carbon fibre composite materials. The entire degradation and recycling process is straightforward and low carbon, reducing raw material consumption and promoting a circular economy.

Currently, the EzCiclo product series holds ISO 14021 and ISO 14064 certifications. Composite materials produced using the EzCiclo series achieve a recycling rate of ≥95%. These materials find broad applications across industries such as wind turbine blades, sports and leisure, rail transportation, marine and automotive sectors.

Cover photo: Motorhome with Swancor recyclable resin

source:jeccomposites

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:Banana Fibre for Wound Care

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Indian scientists have made a breakthrough in wound care and sustainability by turning discarded banana plant stems into eco-friendly wound dressings.

The banana stems, usually considered waste, are abundant in India, the world's largest banana producer.

The IASST team, led by Prof. Devasish Chowdhury and Prof. (Retd) Rajlakshmi Devi, combined banana fibres with natural biopolymers to create a strong, antioxidant-rich dressing.They also added extracts from the Vitex negundo plant to fight bacteria and promote drug delivery.

The best part? This innovation is beneficial for both patients and the planet. It promotes healing, reduces waste, and provides a new use for banana plants.

Published in a renowned scientific journal, this research opens doors for a new era in sustainable and potentially more effective wound care.

source:The Better India

CAI Performance Additives announced the launch of PA/ABS Compatibilizer ST-AN3220™.

It is designed to address the longstanding challenge of poor compatibility between PA (nylon) and ABS in alloyed materials.

Offering Good Matte Effect with Improved Heat Resistance:

Blending PA and ABS offers both toughness of ABS and heat and oil resistance of PA. However, this alloy is difficult to produce due to the poor compatibility between the two materials. Traditional compatibilizers fall short, so the launch of ST-AN3220™ can provide excellent coupling solutions for the PA/ABS.

PA/ABS alloys with ST-AN3220™ offer several advantages over the widely used PC/ABS blends, including their low density, good matte effect, greatly improved heat resistance, wear resistance, chemical resistance, processing performance, and a broad range of applications.

Customers enjoy ST-AN3220™ with:

Automotive components

Electronic devices

Household appliances

And many more ST-AN3220™ is a high-performance additive with key features such as high rigidity, low residue, low odor and improved compatibility and mechanical properties.

Source: CAI Performance Additives/omnexus.specialchem.com