Abstract: An ultrathin, porous, and mechanically stable nonwoven fabric, a method for manufacturing the fabric, and the fabric's use are described. A nonwoven fabric is described having a thickness of less than 30 ?m, which is chemically and/or thermally bonded, whose maximum tensile load in at least one direction is at least 15 N/5 cm, whose stretching in this direction at maximum tensile load is 35% at the most, and which has a porosity of at least 25%. This nonwoven fabric may be used as a separator material or as a carrier material for diaphragms.

Abstract: An ultrathin, porous, and mechanically stable nonwoven fabric, a method for manufacturing the fabric, and the fabric's use are described. A nonwoven fabric is described having a thickness of less than 30 ?m, which is chemically and/or thermally bonded, whose maximum tensile load in at least one direction is at least 15 N/5 cm, whose stretching in this direction at maximum tensile load is 35% at the most, and which has a porosity of at least 25%. This nonwoven fabric may be used as a separator material or as a carrier material for diaphragms.

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.