Abstract: A battery separator assembly for use in a high-power recombinant battery has increased puncture resistance, mechanical integrity, and oxygen inhibition and includes an absorptive non-woven layer of material adhered to a microporous polymeric layer. The absorptive non-woven layer of material preferably includes absorbent glass mat (AGM), and the microporous polymeric layer preferably includes ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In a first preferred embodiment, the absorptive non-woven layer of material is positioned adjacent to an electrode of a positive type. In a second preferred embodiment, the microporous polymeric layer is positioned adjacent to an electrode of a negative type.