Abstract: High power lithium-ion batteries are disclosed. Such batteries may be used, for example, as the sole electric starter motor power sources for automotive vehicles powered by multi-cylinder engines with reciprocating pistons when the vehicles are to be operated in an engine start-stop mode to conserve fuel. Such batteries typically utilize non-aqueous solutions of lithium salts, such as LiPF6 or LiBF4, in combination with durable lithium intercalating electrodes. In accordance with this disclosure the performance of the battery's electrolyte and cells over a wide ambient temperature range is enhanced by a mixture of five miscible solvents formed of lower alkyl moieties. The quinary solvent mixture comprises two cyclic alkyl carbonates, two linear alkyl carbonates, and with a major portion of an alkyl ester.

Abstract: A method of attaching a thermoplastic-based workpiece and a metal workpiece involves the use of a metal reaction coating. The metal reaction coating is applied over a base metal substrate of the metal workpiece such that the metal reaction coating faces and contacts the thermoplastic-based workpiece when the two workpieces are assembled in overlapping fashion. To attach the workpieces at their faying interface, an energy source such as, for example, a laser beam or an electric arc, is directed against the metal workpiece to create a zone of concentrated heat that at least warms up the metal reaction coating and melts a portion of the thermoplastic-based workpiece. Such heated activity at the faying interface promotes interfacial chemical bonding between the thermoplastic-based workpiece and the metal workpiece that contributes to an enhanced attachment between the workpieces.

Abstract: High power lithium-ion batteries are disclosed. Such batteries may be used, for example, as the sole electric starter motor power sources for automotive vehicles powered by multi-cylinder engines with reciprocating pistons when the vehicles are to be operated in an engine start-stop mode to conserve fuel. Such batteries typically utilize non-aqueous solutions of lithium salts, such as LiPF6 or LiBF4, in combination with durable lithium intercalating electrodes. In accordance with this disclosure the performance of the battery's electrolyte and cells over a wide ambient temperature range is enhanced by a mixture of five miscible solvents formed of lower alkyl moieties. The quinary solvent mixture comprises two cyclic alkyl carbonates, two linear alkyl carbonates, and with a major portion of an alkyl ester.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte includes a solvent, a lithium salt, and an additive selected from: formulas, and combinations thereof. R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from: a linear or branched alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); a linear or branched alkoxyl having a formula C2H2n+1O (n ranges from 1 to 20); a linear or branched either having a formula CnH2n+1OCmH2m (n and m each range from 1 to 10); phenyl; a mono-substituted phenyl with one linear or branched alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); a di-substituted phenyl with two linear or branched alkyls, each alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); a tri-substituted phenyl with three linear or branched alkyls, each alkyl having a formula CnH2n+1 (n ranges from 1 to 20); and combinations thereof. X, Y, and Z are halides.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery is provided that includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a polymer separator soaked in an electrolyte solution, the polymer separator being disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode includes an active material of lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, or combinations thereof. The negative electrode includes lithium titanate. A method of making the lithium ion battery is also provided.

Abstract: A method of attaching a thermoplastic-based workpiece and a metal workpiece involves the use of a metal reaction coating. The metal reaction coating is applied over a base metal substrate of the metal workpiece such that the metal reaction coating faces and contacts the thermoplastic-based workpiece when the two workpieces are assembled in overlapping fashion. To attach the workpieces at their faying interface, an energy source such as, for example, a laser beam or an electric arc, is directed against the metal workpiece to create a zone of concentrated heat that at least warms up the metal reaction coating and melts a portion of the thermoplastic-based workpiece. Such heated activity at the faying interface promotes interfacial chemical bonding between the thermoplastic-based workpiece and the metal workpiece that contributes to an enhanced attachment between the workpieces.