Abstract: A binder system for metal casting has a reactive furan resin, furfuryl alcohol, and a plasticizer that includes an epoxidized fatty acid. The reactive furan resin is a resin modified with phenolic resole, present at from about 18 wt. % to about 22 wt. %, based on the weight of the binder system. The plasticizer may include plant seed oil, such as soybean oil, linseed oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil and mixtures thereof, present at between about 4 wt. % to about 9 wt. %, based on the weight of the binder system. The furfuryl alcohol and the plasticizer are collectively present in an amount ranging from about 75 wt. % to about 85 wt. %, based on the weight of the binder system. Silane may also be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 0.5 wt. %, based on the weight of the binder system.

Abstract: Disclosed are amorphous glasses, anodes comprising particles formed from these amorphous glasses, and electrochemical cells (e.g., batteries) comprising these anodes. The amorphous glass can be formed from a mixture comprising two or more active components and two or more amorphous forming components.