Abstract: A separator for alkaline batteries exhibits excellent property for holding the alkaline electrolyte, is not degraded even when the separator is used for alkaline batteries using a positive electrode mix containing an agent having a great oxidizing ability for enhancing the discharging property under a great load, maintains the function as the separator even when the separator is exposed to high temperatures for a long time and can be effectively used for alkaline batteries which are used for portable information instruments requiring the excellent discharging property under a great load such as digital cameras.

Abstract: A separator for alkaline batteries comprising as at least part of the main fibers a fibrilated product of cellulose fiber obtained by dissolving cellulose in a solvent and depositing cellulose directly. As another main fiber, preferably an extra fine synthetic fiber, particularly preferably a polyvinyl alcohol synthetic fiber is used. The binder is preferably polyvinyl alcohol. Also provided is an alkaline battery wherein such a separator is used. Preferably, the above cellulose fiber is cellulose fiber whose wet Young's modulus is 20 g/d or more and orientation degree .DELTA.n is 42.times.10.sup.-3 or more.