Abstract: A separator for a valve regulated lead-acid battery which comprises a paper sheet where very fine glass fiber is a main component, which has a piercing strength (puncture strength) of 4.5 N/mm or more and a tensile strength of 7.0 N/10 mm2 or more. The paper sheet is made by blending 80 to 90% by weight of glass fiber having 1.5 ?m or less average fiber size, 5 to 10% by weight of single-material monofilament-form thermally non-adhesive organic fiber (non-heat-bondable organic fiber) and 5 to 10% by weight of single-material monofilament-form thermally adhesive organic fiber (heat-bondable organic fiber) comprising the same kind of material as in the thermally non-adhesive organic fiber in a wet papermaking process whereupon the fiber materials are bonded each other by thermal fusion of the thermally adhesive organic fiber whereby a coat (film) by melting of the organic fiber is not substantially formed on the surface of the glass fiber.

Abstract: A slurry composition for a positive electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery, comprising a polymer A wherein a HOMO value by a semiempirical method molecular orbital calculation is ?13.5 eV to ?10 eV and a content of ethylene repeating units is 30 mol % to 95 mol %; a polymer B wherein a HOMO value by a semiempirical method molecular orbital calculation is ?13.5 eV to ?10 eV, a glass transition temperature is ?80° C. to 0° C., and a gel content is 50 wt % or more; an active material for a positive electrode; a conductivity adding agent; and a liquid medium C in which the polymer A dissolves but the polymer B does not dissolve. According to the composition, a lithium ion secondary battery having a large battery capacity, a good charge/discharge cycle characteristic and an improved rate characteristic can be realized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer-based battery separator, which contains a compound of formula R (OR1)n(COOMx+1/x)m. In said formula, R represents a non-aromatic hydrocarbon group comprising between 10 and 4,200 carbon atoms, which can be interrupted by oxygen atoms, R1 represents H, —(CH2)kCOOMx+1/x or —(CH2)k—SO3Mx+1/x, whereby k stands for 1 or 2, M represents an alkali or earth alkaline metal ion, H+ or NH4+, whereby not all variables of M are defined simultaneously as H+, n stands for 0 or 1, m stands for 0 or a whole number from 10 to 1,400 and x stands for 1 or 2. The ratio of oxygen atoms to carbon atoms in the compound according to the aforementioned formula ranges between 1:1.5 and 1:30 and n and m cannot simultaneously represent zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microporous membranes comprising polymer and having well-balanced permeability and heat shrinkage, especially heat shrinkage at elevated temperature. The invention also relates to methods for making such membranes, and the use of such membranes as battery separator film in, e.g., lithium ion secondary batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous membranes having high meltdown temperature, low shutdown temperature, and resistance to heat shrinkage at elevated temperature. The membranes can be produced by stretching a sheet comprising polymethylpentene, polyethylene, and diluent, and then removing the diluent. The membranes can be used as battery separator film in, e.g., lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: An electric storage device 10 has a positive electrode 13, a negative electrode 14 and a separator 15 provided between the positive electrode 13 and the negative electrode 14. The negative electrode surface 14b is formed to be larger than the positive electrode surface 13b in such a manner that a positive electrode outer edge 13c and a negative electrode outer edge 14c are apart from each other by 2 mm or more. By this configuration, an ion restricting section 15b is formed at the outer peripheral portion of the separator 15. Accordingly, the movement of the lithium ions toward the negative electrode end surface 14a can be restricted, when the device is charged with a large current, whereby the deposition of metal lithium on the negative electrode end surface 14a can be prevented.

Abstract: A reactive polymer-supported porous film for a battery separator containing a substrate porous film of a porous film and a reactive polymer supported on the substrate porous film. The porous film has a temperature of 200° C. or more, at which a thickness of the porous film is reduced to ½ of a thickness when a probe is placed on the porous film. The reactive polymer is obtainable by partially crosslinking a crosslinkable polymer and a polyfunctional isocyanate. The crosslinkable polymer is obtainable by copolymerizing a crosslinkable monomer having in a molecule at least one reactive group selected from a 3-oxetanyl group and an epoxy group and a crosslinkable monomer having a reactive group capable of reacting with an isocyanate group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separator for an electricity storage device that is formed by superimposing two or more fiber layers, wherein at least one or more of the fiber layers is a synthetic fiber layer that contains synthetic fibers and a synthetic resin binding agent, and also provides a method of manufacturing the same. Moreover, the present invention provides a separator for an electricity storage device that contains thermoplastic synthetic fibers A, heat-resistant synthetic fibers B, natural fibers C, and a synthetic resin-based binding agent, and also provides a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A microporous separator film for electrochemical cells and a method of making such films is disclosed. The microporous separator film includes an intimate mixture of an electrically insulating matrix phase and a self-switching voltage activated conductive phase, wherein the voltage activated conductive phase provides a plurality of conductive paths from a first face of the microporous separator film to a second face of the microporous separator film. The method for making the composite microporous separator film includes the steps of forming an intimate mixture of at least an insulating matrix phase and a self-switching voltage activated phase, forming a film from the mixture, and generating pores within the film.

Abstract: A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent mixture which contains 1,3-dioxolane and isosorbide dimethyl ether. The solvent mixture may comprise 1,3-dioxolane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and additive isosorbide dimethyl ether. The isosorbide dimethyl ether comprises typically between about 2 and 15 percent by weight of the solvent mixture and improves cell service life and performance. A cathode slurry is prepared comprising iron disulfide powder, carbon, binder, and a liquid solvent. The mixture is coated onto a conductive substrate and solvent evaporated leaving a dry cathode coating on the substrate. The anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including an electrode assembly, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a substantially rectangular battery case for housing the electrode assembly and the non-aqueous electrolyte. The thickness ?, the width ?, and the height ? of the battery case satisfy the relation ?<???c. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a porous heat-resistant layer disposed between these electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer. The ratio of the pore volume included in a predetermined area of the porous heat-resistant layer to the battery theoretical capacity is 0.18 to 1.117 ml/Ah. The predetermined area has the same area as the positive electrode active material layer. The porosity of the porous heat-resistant layer is 35 to 85%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separator for a battery, which comprises a porous film mainly composed of a polyolefin film, has heat resistance, and can improve battery properties. Specifically disclosed is a separator for a battery, which is characterized by having a layer mainly composed of a polyolefin resin, wherein at least one surface of the separator has an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) of 0.3 ?m or more.

Abstract: A microporous membrane having a structure in which its pore size distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, which is produced by extruding a combination of a diluent or solvent and a polyolefin resin composition comprising (a) from about 74 to about 99% of a first polyethylene resin having a weight average molecular weight of from about 2.5×105 to about 5×105 and a molecular weight distribution of from about 5 to about 100, (b) from about 1 to about 5% of a second polyethylene resin having a weight average molecular weight of from about 5×105 to about 1×106 and a molecular weight distribution of from about 5 to about 100, and (c) from 0 to about 25% of a polypropylene resin having a weight average molecular weight of from about 3×105 to about 1.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to improve battery performance such as a rate capability of a nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery using a separator constituting a thermoplastic resin-based porous film containing a filler. This invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery separator which is formed from a porous film containing a thermoplastic resin and a filler contained in the thermoplastic resin and has a ratio of an average pore diameter (?m) to a maximum pore diameter (?m) defined by ASTM F316-86 of 0.6 or more as well as relates to a nonaqueous electrolyte solution secondary battery using this separator.

Abstract: A microporous separator film for electrochemical cells and a method of making such films is disclosed. The microporous separator film includes an intimate mixture of an electrically insulating matrix phase and a self-switching voltage activated conductive phase, wherein the voltage activated conductive phase provides a plurality of conductive paths from a first face of the microporous separator film to a second face of the microporous separator film. The method for making the composite microporous separator film includes the steps of forming an intimate mixture of at least an insulating matrix phase and a self-switching voltage activated phase, forming a film from the mixture, and generating pores within the film.

Abstract: A multi-layer, microporous polyethylene membrane having at least two layers, which comprises (a) a microporous polyethylene resin layer A comprising high-density polyethylene A having 0.2 or more terminal vinyl groups per 10,000 carbon atoms when measured by infrared spectroscopy, and (b) a microporous polyethylene resin layer B comprising high-density polyethylene B having less than 0.2 terminal vinyl groups per 10,000 carbon atoms when measured by infrared spectroscopy, has well-balanced permeability, mechanical strength, heat shrinkage resistance, shutdown properties, meltdown properties and oxidation resistance.

Abstract: A multilayer composite sheet for use in a lead-acid battery includes a) a base layer including paper or a glass fiber mat; b) a layer of polymeric nanofibers bonded with discrete adhesive particles to a first surface of the base layer; and c) a scrim layer bonded with discrete adhesive particles to a surface of the layer of nanofibers opposite the base layer. A plate assembly for a lead-acid battery includes one or more multilayer composite sheets located adjacent or partially enclosing a lead plate.

Abstract: The instant invention is a separator for a battery having a zinc electrode. The battery separator according to the instant invention includes a microporous membrane, and a coating on at least one surface of the microporous membrane. The coating includes a mixture of 25-40 weight % polymer and 60-75 weight % surfactant combination. The polymer is cellulose acetate, and the surfactant combination includes a first surfactant and a second surfactant. The first surfactant, preferably, has an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of organic ethers, and the second surfactant is, preferably, an oxirane polymer with 2-ethylhexyl dihydrogen phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new bicomponent fiber, a nonwoven fabric comprising said new bicomponent fiber and sanitary articles made therefrom. The bicomponent fiber contains a polyethylene-based resin forming at least part of the surface of the fiber longitudinally continuously and is characterized by a Co-monomer Distribution Constant greater than about 45, a recrystallization temperature between 85° C. and 110° C., a tan delta value at 0.1 rad/sec from about 15 to 50, and a complex viscosity at 0.1 rad/second of 1400 Pa.sec or less. The nonwoven fabric comprising the new bicomponent fiber according to the instant invention are not only excellent in softness, but also high in strength, and can be produced in commercial volumes at lower costs due to higher thoughputs and requiring less energy.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a lithium ion secondary battery and a lithium ion secondary battery using the same are provided. In a sealing tape attached to the outer circumference of the electrode assembly in order to prevent the wound electrode assembly from being unwound, the sealing tape is formed of the material having an affinity for the electrolyte to absorb the electrolyte and to swell or the external or internal surface of the conventional sealing tape is coated with such a material so that, when the sealing tape is impregnated with the electrolyte, the sealing tape swells to attach the electrode assembly and the can to each other and to thus prevent the welding parts of the electrode tabs from being disconnected due to the rotation or floating of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including an electrode assembly, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a substantially rectangular battery case for housing the electrode assembly and the non-aqueous electrolyte. The thickness ?, the width ?, and the height ? of the battery case satisfy the relation ?<???c. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a porous heat-resistant layer disposed between these electrodes. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer. The ratio of the pore volume included in a predetermined area of the porous heat-resistant layer to the battery theoretical capacity is 0.18 to 1.117 ml/Ah. The predetermined area has the same area as the positive electrode active material layer. The porosity of the porous heat-resistant layer is 35 to 85%.

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous polymeric membranes suitable for use as battery separator film. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a membrane, batteries containing such membranes as battery separators, methods for making such batteries, and methods for using such batteries.

Abstract: A battery separator comprising a nonwoven fabric, wherein the nonwoven fabric contains (1) superfine fibers having a fiber diameter of 3 ?m or less, (2) noncircular fine fibers having a noncircular cross-sectional shape and having a fiber diameter of 3 to 5 ?m (excluding 3 ?m), the fiber diameter meaning a diameter of a circle having an area the same as that of the noncircular cross-sectional shape, and (3) polypropylene based high-strength composite fibers containing a fusible component on the surface thereof and having a tensile strength of 4.5 cN/dtex or more, and the fusible component contained in the polypropylene based high-strength composite fibers is fused, and a battery comprising the battery separator are disclosed. A battery separator of the present invention has a high electrolyte-holding capacity and is capable of effectively preventing a short circuit, even if the separator is designed to be thinner to enhance the capacity of a battery.

Abstract: There is provided a separator for a high-power density lithium ion secondary battery, the separator comprising a polyolefin microporous membrane, wherein the polyolefin microporous membrane has a tensile strength in the longitudinal direction (MD) of 50 MPa or higher and a tensile strength in the transverse direction (TD) of 50 MPa or higher, and a sum total of an MD tensile elongation and a TD tensile elongation of 20 to 250%; and the polyolefin microporous membrane comprises a polypropylene.

Abstract: Provided are nonwoven polymeric fiber webs using an improved curable composition. Such curable composition comprises an aldehyde or ketone and an amine salt of an inorganic acid. The composition when applied to polymeric fibers is cured to form a water-insoluble polymer binder which exhibits good adhesion and thermodimensional stability.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polyolefin microporous film that can sufficiently reduce the occurrence of raised edges at a slitting step such as a slitting step at the time of producing the polyolefin microporous film and a slitting step at the time of processing the polyolefin microporous film into a roll. The present invention provides a polyolefin microporous film formed from a polyolefin composition comprising a polyethylene, a first polypropylene having a viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 50,000 and less than 300,000, and a second polypropylene having a viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 300,000.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell which achieves satisfactory low temperature characteristics and high safety against overcharging in combination. The cell includes a lithium-containing cathode, an anode capable of doping and undoping lithium, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a separator. The separator is made up by a plurality of layers of a porous material or materials presenting micro-sized pores. The layers of the porous material or materials is formed of micro-porous separator materials representing different combinations of the porosity, melting point or material/compositions.

Abstract: This invention is relates to a separator of a power storage device which is a laminate of a polyolefin porous membrane layer and a fiber layer comprising a solvent spun cellulose; and a separator of a power storage device, wherein the separator is a laminate of a polyolefin porous membrane layer and a fiber layer comprising a solvent spun cellulose, and the volume of a cavity part of the fiber layer is smaller than the volume of a resin part of the polyolefin porous membrane layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous electrolyte solution absorber including an aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing a hydrophilic polar group to a water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is produced by filling a water permeable bag type member with the aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing the hydrophilic polar group to the water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is inexpensive and has a high safety, a broad applicable range and a good handling property upon transportation or storage. Thus, a large amount of aqueous electrolyte solution absorbers can be rapidly conveyed at one time even to a risky place where persons are endangered to convey the absorbers.

Abstract: A battery including an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator interposed between the electrodes, a container housing the electrode assembly, a tab attached to a first side of an uncoated region of the electrode assembly, the tab having a terminal, a first insulator interposed between the tab and a first inner surface of the container, and a cap assembly closing the container and having the terminal passing therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microporous polyolefin membrane of high permeability and novel structure, and also provides a method of producing the same, wherein its average pore size is gradually decreases from at least one membrane surface towards its center. The method of producing the microporous polyolefin membrane comprises the steps of extruding the solution, composed of 10 to 50 weight % of (A) a polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 5×105 or more or (B) a composition containing this polyolefin and 50 to 90 weight % of a solvent, into a gel-like formed article and removing the solvent therefrom, wherein a treatment step with a hot solvent is incorporated.

Abstract: The method for producing a porous film of the present invention includes producing a stretched film by stretching a resin sheet containing at least polyolefin, and then irradiating the stretched film with a vacuum ultraviolet ray. The separator for a non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention is composed of the porous film obtained by the production method of the present invention. The non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention is provided with the separator for a non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical separators, especially for use in lithium high energy batteries, and to a process for making them. Separators for use in lithium high energy batteries have to have a very low weight and a very low thickness. It has been found that, surprisingly, such separators having a weight of less than 50 g/m2 and a thickness of less than 35 ?m are preparable by applying a ceramic coating to a polymeric web less than 30 ?m in thickness, these separators being very useful in lithium high energy batteries when pyrogenic oxides of the elements Al, Si and/or Zr are used as a particulate pore-forming component.

Abstract: Provided is a laminated porous film comprising a laminate of a heat-resistant porous layer containing a liquid crystalline polyester and a shutdown layer containing a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane. The membrane can have an average thickness of 23 ?m or more, an air permeability in a range of about 20 sec/100 cm3 to 100 sec/100 cm3, a pin puncture strength of 2,450 mN or more, and a heat shrinkage ratio of 12% or less at 105° C. The membrane can be produced from a polyolefin solution made by combining a membrane-forming solvent and at least one polyolefin resin containing polyethylene having a viscoelastic angular frequency ??0#191 of at least about 0.01 rad/sec.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer porous film having a porous film comprised of a resin composition comprising a polypropylene and one or more polyolefins other than polypropylenes and an inorganic filler-containing porous layer stacked on at least on one side of the porous film. The multilayer porous film is capable of preventing short circuit between two electrodes even when a heat generation amount is large at the time of abnormal heat generation and therefore satisfying both excellent heat resistance and good shutdown function.

Abstract: A separator having a structure in which a resin layer is formed at least on one principal plane of a base material layer, wherein the resin layer has an inorganic substance is provided. A non-aqueous electrolyte battery in which a cathode and an anode are arranged through the separator so as to face each other is also provided.

Abstract: A porous separator for a winding-type lithium secondary battery having a gel-type polymer electrolyte includes a matrix made of polyvinyl chloride, or a matrix made of mixtures of polyvinylchloride and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidenefluoride, a vinylidenefluoride/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polymethacrylate, polyacrylonitrile and polyethyleneoxide.

Abstract: Provided are a polyolefin microporous membrane having a thickness of from 1 to 100 ?m, a pore diameter of from 0.01 to 1 ?m, and protrusions having a height of from 0.5 to 30 ?m formed by embossing on at least one of the surfaces of the membrane; a production method of the membrane; and a separator for battery made of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is of a battery separator comprising a reaction product of a polymer and a polyvalent metal. The present invention further provides a method of forming a battery separator comprising applying a polymer such as an acrylic polymer such that it reacts with a polyvalent metal in a battery component layer to form a separator. In some embodiments applying is by a printing technique. Further, the present invention is of a battery including a separator of the present invention and a method of making same.

Abstract: A separator for zinc electrode-based cells that is effective in preventing dendrite growth in a zinc rechargeable cell is prepared as A standalone membrane, or as a composite membrane by impregnating the membrane into a nonwoven fabric. Interpenetrating polymer networks are employed by combining two different polymers. The two polymers penetrate each other on a molecular scale so that mechanical strength, water content and conductivity of the membranes can be effectively optimized. Since the water content of membrane can be optimized by introducing high water content polymers other than polyvinyl alcohol, wherein the diffusion of water from the separator membrane when the membrane contacts alkaline electrolyte solution can be largely reduced. Such membranes demonstrate excellent dendrite blocking capability in a practical zinc rechargeable cell.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly where a negative plate and a positive plate are rolled in the form of a spiral while interposing a separator with a modulus of elasticity of around 2.0 kgf/mm2 or less in the longitudinal direction. A can, inside of which the electrode assembly is mounted together with an electrolyte, is electrically connected to one of the negative plate and the positive plate of the electrode assembly. A cap assembly is fitted to the top of the can, and is electrically connected to the other of the positive plate and the negative plate of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A size AA alkaline battery includes an anode principally composed of zinc functioning as an active material, a cathode principally composed of manganese dioxide or nickel oxyhydroxide functioning as an active material, a separator composed of a nonwoven fabric, an electrolyte composed of an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyolefin microporous membrane made of a polyolefin resin and an inorganic particle, and the puncture strength of the microporous membrane is 3 N/20 ?m or more and the membrane thickness retention ratio in penetration creep is 16% or more, thereby being excellent in safety and long-term reliability, and a separator for a nonaqueous electrolyte battery, and the like can be provided.

Abstract: An electrode assembly and a secondary battery having the same are provided. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material layer, and a porous layer for separating the positive and negative electrodes from each other that is formed of a combination of a ceramic material having a particle size of about 50 to 300 nm (particle size distribution value: D50) and a binder. Moreover, the porous layer contains an antacid. The secondary battery having the electrode assembly has satisfactory lifespan and overcharge characteristics.

Abstract: A microporous polyethylene membrane having well-balanced permeability, mechanical properties, heat shrinkage resistance, compression resistance, electrolytic solution absorbability, shutdown properties and meltdown properties, with an average pore diameter changing in a thickness direction is produced by melt-blending a polyethylene resin and a membrane-forming solvent to prepare a solution A having a resin concentration of 25 to 50% by mass and a solution B having a resin concentration of 10 to 30% by mass, the resin concentration in the solution A being higher than that in the solution B, (a) simultaneously extruding the resin solutions A and B through a die, cooling the resultant extrudate to provide a gel-like sheet in which the resin solutions A and B are laminated, and removing the membrane-forming solvent from the gel-like sheet, or (b) extruding the resin solutions A and B through separate dies, removing the membrane-forming solvent from the resultant gel-like sheets A and B to form microporous polyet

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a prismatic battery includes an electrode group 10 contained in a prismatic metal outer can. The electrode group 10 has a positive electrode substrate exposed part 11 at one end and a negative electrode substrate exposed part 12 at the other end. The positive and negative electrode substrate exposed parts 11 and 12 are bundled and welded to positive and negative electrode current collectors 13 and 14, respectively. The positive electrode substrate exposed part 11 and positive electrode current collector 13 and the negative electrode substrate exposed part 12 and negative electrode current collector 14 are covered with an insulating frame 16 having an angled U-shaped cross section and an angled U-shaped outline.

Abstract: A separator is disclosed which enables to inject a non-aqueous electrolytic solution easily during production of batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries and also enables to produce a battery which is excellent in various battery performances. The battery separator comprises a long porous film in which plural non-porous linear regions are arranged in a width direction of the film, at least one surface of the linear regions being a concave or convex surface is advantageously used as a battery separator for lithium secondary batteries or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an incombustible separator for a non-aqueous electrolyte cell in which the separator itself does not burn even if the temperature inside the cell becomes high, and more particularly to a separator for a non-aqueous electrolyte cell made of a microporous film formed by a phosphazene derivative and/or an isomer of a phosphazene derivative to a polymer.

Abstract: An alkaline electrochemical cell containing a neat multiphase thermoplastic polymer separator is disclosed. The microstructure and composition of the polymer are selected to provide a film that can physically endure the rigors of a cell assembly process and also provide adequate ionic conductivity to support a high rate discharge. In one embodiment, the ionic conductivity of the separator is improved upon contact with the cell's alkaline electrolyte. Processes that can be used to manufacture a cell of this invention are also described.