binder

Binder is a general term for a substance that causes parts to adhere to one another or form a coherent whole. Depending on the field, binders serve different roles and appear in various forms, from construction materials to office supplies and pharmaceutical ingredients.

In construction and materials science, a binder binds together granular or particulate materials to create a solid matrix. Common examples include Portland cement and lime in cementitious systems, bitumen in asphalt, and polymer binders in paints and adhesives. The choice of binder influences properties such as strength, durability, and weather resistance.

In office, crafts, and publishing contexts, a binder is a device or system for organizing and protecting sheets of paper. A ring binder uses a cover with rings to hold loose sheets, while binder clips fasten pages without a spine. These binders organize reports, manuals, portfolios, and similar documents and are commonly stored on shelves.

In pharmaceutical and food processing, binders are materials that help form and retain shape during processing and storage. Pharmaceutical binders such as starch, cellulose derivatives, or povidone help tablets stay intact. In food production, binders like eggs, starch, or gelatin contribute to texture and cohesion.

Overall, binders play the role of maintaining structure and cohesion across diverse applications, from shaping materials to organizing information.