The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

High-solids suspensions such as lithium-ion battery slurries, are polymer-based systems composed of active materials, conductive additives, and binders. Their rheological properties critically influence electrode manufacturing and battery performance. In non-Brownian suspensions, Discontinuous Shear Thickening (DST) occurs when the volume fraction exceeds a critical jamming threshold (ϕ_J), typically explained by mechnisms such as friction, lubrication, and stress release. However, existing models assume ideal spherical particles, limiting their applicability to real systems with irregular or anisotropic particles. To address this, we introduce the concept of fractal dimension to account for the structural complexity of non-spherical particles. This provides an extended theoretical framework for  understaning rheological transitions and jamming behavior in high-solid-content polymer suspensions.