At the Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart, BASF introduced Oppanol N PLUS, a new polyisobutylene (PIB)-based binder aimed at solid-state battery applications. Drawing on nearly a century of PIB expertise, the company believes this non-polar, hydrocarbon-based binder could replace the commonly used PVDF polymer, particularly in sulfide-based solid electrolytes that tend to react with polar materials. Oppanol N PLUS also eliminates the need for the toxic solvent NMP, easing production requirements and lowering costs associated with solvent recovery systems.
In battery cells, binders play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of cathodes, anodes and electrolytes while accommodating mechanical stresses during charge and discharge cycles. BASF highlights the binder’s high elasticity and narrow product specifications, which can help reduce manufacturing variability, streamline quality control and accelerate process adjustments—key advantages for an industry focused on rapid scale-up.
The launch coincides with the conclusion of BASF’s first share buyback tranche, which repurchased nearly €1.5 billion of stock—including roughly 27.8 million shares since November 2025. The program’s first phase wraps up this month, and the company has not yet announced timing for the next round, although it remains committed to returning at least €12 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks between 2025 and 2028. Market observers note that the lack of clarity on future repurchases has weighed on sentiment: the stock recently traded about 8 percent below its 50-day moving average, with the relative strength index indicating an oversold condition and a critical support level near €46.89.
Beyond financial measures, BASF’s stake in oil-and-gas firm Harbour Energy has dipped below 25 percent, leading to reduced board representation. The company is also advancing its CoreShift efficiency program, targeting a 20 percent reduction in cash fixed costs by 2029 and about €2.3 billion in annual savings by the end of 2026. All eyes now turn to the July 30 half-year report, when BASF’s leadership will provide updated cash-flow figures and potentially recalibrate the full-year outlook.
Source: Ad-hoc-News
