Abstract: A nonwoven fabric, in particular for use as a separator in batteries or galvanic cells, having functional fibers made of at least one fibrous material which intrinsically contains at least one substance that is chemically active or activatable in an alkaline medium. The substance is incorporated surface-actively exclusively in volumetric regions of the functional fibers whose surface areas are able to be acted upon by the medium. A fiber is made from the mentioned fibrous material. A galvanic cell contains this nonwoven fabric as a separator.

Abstract: A low volume nonwoven separator and an electrochemical cell employing the separator are provided. The cell includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The nonwoven separator is disposed between the positive electrode and negative electrode. The nonwoven separator comprises, prior to insertion in the cell, a non-compressed single layer dry thickness in the range of 0.04 to 0.09 mm, and an average pore size of no greater than 14 &mgr;m. The cell further includes an electrolyte in contact with the separator and the positive and negative electrodes.

Abstract: A galvanic cell has an anode gel, an alkaline electrolyte, and a cathode material, separated from the anode gel by a separator. The anode gel has mercury-free zinc powder, and the cathode material has manganese dioxide, as well as salt-like calcium compounds in solid form.