Abstract: A fluorine-containing, polyolefin fiber non-woven fabric having enhanced resistance to degradation when exposed to a potassium hydride solution is produced by exposing a polyolefin fiber non-woven fabric to a gaseous atmosphere comprising F.sub.2 and O.sub.2 gases in certain volumetric ratios.

Abstract: Polymer materials such as film and fabrics, woven, non-woven and meltblown, may be non-destructively surface treated to improve water wettability by exposure to a glow discharge plasma sustained at substantially atmospheric pressure in a modified gas atmosphere comprising helium or argon.

Abstract: There is provided a nonwoven fabric having durable wettability comprising fibers formed from polyolefin blended with hydrophilic additives of the formula; ##STR1## wherein x is an integer from 1 to 15 and R is an alkane or alkene with up to 18 carbon atoms, A, B, and C are integers equal to or greater than one arranged in any order or repetitive series, z is an integer at least equal to one, and wherein the fibers which have been formed are polyolefin provided with hydrophilic additives prior to fiberization. Such fabrics have been found to provide surprisingly durable wettability.

Abstract: A wettable battery separator for alkaline batteries is formed of a microporous plastic sheet selected from porous films, fabrics and papers. The separator is impregnated with a resin which has one or more carboxyl groups which have been neutralized by a base so as to form a salt. The resin is present in an amount from about 0.0001 to 3% by weight of the separator. Alkali resistant fillers may also be included.

Abstract: The invention is to a non-woven fabric sheet for a storage battery separator. The sheet has an excellent property of holding electrolyte by using conjugate fibers having a specific sectional form. The sheet comprises an ethylene copolymer having a specific structure which can introduce a desirable amount of sulfo groups efficiently under mild reaction conditions. Conjugate fibers having a split sectional form include a first component and a second component having a radial arrangement. The conjugate fibers are obtained by forming an ethylene based random copolymer containing a unit represented by a formula --CH.sub.2 CH(COOH)--, with polypropylene. Subsequently, a non-woven fabric sheet of a thermally bonding type is obtained by mixing the conjugate fibers with polypropoylene fibers. Subsequently, a non-woven fabric sheet for a storage battery separator is obtained by sulfonating the non-woven fabric sheet using gas such as SO.sub.3 to form a unit of the formula --CH.sub.2 C(SO.sub.3 H)(COOH)--.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved textile fibers having deposited thereon a coagulable, multi-stage, latex binder. In addition, this invention relates to a method for improving the stiffness of textile materials by depositing thereon an acid-resistant, coagulable, multi-stage, latex binder wherein one stage enhances the stiffness of the textile fibers and another stage controls the coagulation temperature of the latex binder. The latex binder is particularly suitable for use in battery separators.

Abstract: A lead/accumulator with at least one separator made from filled microporous polyolefins is described, in which the formation of colored, mostly dark and often adhesive deposits occurring in practice is reduced in quantity. This is achieved by the fact that in the accumulator, there are present one or more non-ionic surfactants of a specific structure, the HLB value of which amounts to at least 5. In addition a separator made from filled microporous polyolefins is described, which contains one or more of these surfactants.

Abstract: Conjugate fibers using, as a surface component, ethylene copolymer containing a unit represented by a formula --CH.sub.2 --CH(COOH)--, and using, as a core component, polypropylene or like polyolefin fibers, are used to obtain thermally bonded non-woven fabric sheet to the treated with concentrated sulfuric acid or the like. By so doing, it is possible to readily introduce sulfo groups to replace tertiary carbon and thus impart the fibers with hydrophilicity. By using thus sulfonated thermal bonded non-woven fabric sheet as alkaline storage battery separators, it is possible to maintain high discharge capacity retention.

Abstract: A secondary battery (10) of high energy density and long cycle is achieved by coating the separator (18) with a film (21) of cationic polymer such as polyvinyl-imidazoline. The binder of the positive electrode (14) such as an ethylene-propylene elastomer binder (26) containing particles (28) of TiS.sub.2 chalcogenide can also be modified to contain sulfone functional groups by incorporating liquid or solid sulfone materials such as 0.1 to 5 percent by weight of sulfolane into the binder. The negative lithium electrode (14), separator (18) and positive electrode (16) are preferably spirally wound and disposed within a sealed casing (17) containing terminals (32, 34). The modified separator and positive electrode are more wettable by the electrolytes in which a salt is dissolved in a polar solvent such as sulfolane.

Abstract: An improved battery separator for lead-acid battery cells has low resistance to electrolyte ion transfer and can assist in holding paste in contact with a grid of an electrode plate during chemical reactions of the cell. The separator is formed by depositing an improved wetting composition to a polyolefin substrate comprised of entangled microfibers. The wetting composition which is deposited over and adhered to external surfaces of the microfibers is comprised of a substantially homogeneous admixture of an epoxy emulsion and a polyfunctional amine curing agent. When the separator is immersed in electrolyte, the amine groups in the cured resin of the wetting composition react with the acid electrolyte and are substantially completely neutralized forming a polymeric salt; in the process the fibers are rapidly wetted, providing a substantially permanent wetting characteristic in the electrolyte.

Abstract: Microporous separators for electrolytic cells are fabricated from multiple fluoropolymer panels joined and sealed together so as to conform with cell geometry. Improved, leak-free seals are made in the case of chemically treated separators by applying a non-melt processable perfluoroalkylene polymer sealant between separator joints which are then sealable by application of heat and pressure. Only damaged sections or "worn" panels of cell separators need be replaced by resealing new panels to previously heat sealed edges of non-damaged separator sections by application of the polymer sealant. The sealant is one having melting or fusing temperature which is at least substantially equivalent to the melting or fusing temperature of the polymeric microporous separator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microporous membranes having a surfactant impregnated therein which is coated on at least one surface thereof with a polymer coating, such as cellulose acetate. The polymer coating possesses functional groups in the presence of an aqueous alkaline environment which permits it to undergo hydrogen bonding with water and to transport battery electrolyte through the coating by diffusion. The presence of the coating on the normally hydrophobic substrate membrane, when used in conjunction with a suitable surfactant, increases the wettability of the substrate membrane and thereby lowers its electrical resistance. The coating also serves to immobilize various soluble electrode derived ions at the coating-electrolyte interface thereby hindering their penetration into the pores of the substrate microporous membrane.

Abstract: A battery separator having a low electrical resistance after extended use is made by thermal consolidation and thermal embossing of a paper web formed from a furnish containing a synthetic pulp the fibrils of which are filled with an inorganic filler, the web incorporating a wetting agent which is preferably an organic sulphonate, and organic succinate, or a phenol ethoxylate.

Abstract: Recombination lead acid electric storage battery of sealed or recombinant type in which the gas evolved during operation or charging is induced to recombine within the battery at the battery electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microporous membranes having a surfactant impregnated therein which is coated on at least one surface thereof with a polymer coating, such as cellulose acetate. The polymer coating possesses functional groups in the presence of an aqueous alkaline environment which permits it to undergo hydrogen bonding with water and to transport battery electrolyte through the coating by diffusion. The presence of the coating on the normally hydrophobic substrate membrane, when used in conjunction with a suitable surfactant, increases the wettability of the substrate membrane and thereby lowers its electrical resistance. The coating also serves to immobilize various soluble electrode derived ions at the coating-electrolyte interface thereby hindering their penetration into the pores of the substrate microporous membrane.

Abstract: A microporous film which comprises a matrix comprising 40 to 90 volume percent of a polyolefin having a number average molecular weight of 15,000 or more and 10 to 60 volume percent of an inorganic filler, said matrix having therein void spaces at a rate of 30 to 75 volume percent based on the volume of the film; and 2 to 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polyolefin and the inorganic filler, of an organic substance which is substantially insoluble in and inert to sulfuric acid and has a solubility parameter ranging from 7.3 inclusive to 8.4 exclusive; said organic substance, in its majority, adhering to the overall surface of the film including the outer surfaces of the film and the surfaces of the polyolefin walls defining said void spaces in cooperation with said inorganic filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microporous membrane having deposited on at least one surface thereof a porous, uniform coating of a low hydrogen over-potential material. The coated microporous membrane is particularly suited for use as a battery separator in a rechargeable zinc electrode containing battery, which is resistant to penetration by zinc dendrites and is capable of increasing the uniformity of current density upon recharging of the battery.A battery employing said coated microporous membrane as a battery separator as well as a process for using said coated microporous membrane is also provided.

Abstract: An improved electrolyte absorber for alkaline battery cells has low resistance to electrolyte ion transfer and can hold alkaline electrolyte in contact with an electrode during chemical reactions of the cell. The absorber is formed by depositing an improved wetting compositions to a polyolefin substrate. The substrate, preferably, is a fibrous and porous melt blown thermoplastic web made up of a plurality of physically entangled microfibers, resistant to strong alkali and oxidation. The wetting composition which is deposited over and adhered to external surfaces of said microfibers is comprised of a substantially homogeneous admixture of a polymeric binder, inert hydrophilic filler particles and a phosphate ester wetting agent. Portions of the filler particles in the composition protrude through the binder and are exposed in random distribution. When the absorber is immersed in electrolyte, the phosphate ester wetting agent reacts with the electrolyte to lower the surface tension thereof.

Abstract: A battery interseparator useful in alkaline battery systems, and a process of forming the same, is formed from a composition having 30-70% by weight synthetic pulp, 15-65% by weight alkali resistant inorganic filler, and 1-35% by weight of long fibers having lengths of between 1/4 and 1 inch. The long fibers may be polyester, polyacrylic, polyamide, polyolefin, or other staple fiber material. The process for forming the subject battery interseparator requires first forming a substantially uniform aqueous mixture of the subject composition, sequentially treating said composition with a combination of a cationic and an anionic agent, applying the treated composition to a standard paper-making apparatus at a grammage rate to cause the resultant dried sheet to have a thickness of less than 10 mils, and forming a sheet product.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymeric separators are made wettable to electrolytic cell fluids by a post-manufacturing process of treating with fluorinated surface-active agents. The application of a hydrophilic film of fluorosurfactant onto separator surfaces followed by drying renders the separator permanently wettable. The hydrophilic surfaces rendered inert by drying are reactivated in-situ after installation of the separator by contacting the separator surfaces with heated aqueous solution. The pre-installation process provides a convenient means for shipping fully manufactured separators and for their storage by users until actually needed. From an operational standpoint, the pre-installation process eliminates fouling of the cell with foam occurring with conventional in-situ wetting procedures.

Abstract: Separators for electrochemical high temperature cells with molten electrolytes, particularly consisting of the raw materials boron nitride or aluminum nitride, become better wettable through treatment with boron trifluoride. Preferably the separator, e.g. a BN fabric, may be sprinkled with a BF.sub.3 yielding material, e.g. KBF.sub.4 and activated through brief heating to about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to polymer membranes to be used in electrochemical cells and improved processes for producing the same. The membranes are produced by radiation grafting techniques. The improved process includes the grafting of a hydrophilic monomer, such as methacrylic acid in a chlorinated organic solvent onto an inert base film such as polyethylene. The process also includes but is not limited to the use of inhibitors to limit homopolymerization of a grafting material, as well as emulsifying agents to lower the electrolytic resistance of the finished membrane.

Abstract: Intrinsically nonwettable polypropylene battery separators are rendered wettable by treating them with polybenzimidazole.Polybenzimidazole (PBI) treated polypropylene (PP) separators exhibited excellent thermal and chemical stabilities, show excellent electrolyte retention, and are gas permeable.

Abstract: A microporous film which comprises a matrix comprising 40 to 90 volume percent of a polyolefin having a number average molecular weight of 15,000 or more and 10 to 60 volume percent of an inorganic filler, said matrix having therein void spaces at a rate of 30 to 75 volume percent based on the volume of the film; and 2 to 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the polyolefin and the inorganic filler, of an organic substance which is substantially insoluble in and inert to sulfuric acid and has a solubility parameter ranging from 7.3 inclusive to 8.4 exclusive; said organic substance, in its majority, adhering to the overall surface of the film including the outer surfaces of the film and the surfaces of the polyolefin walls defining said void spaces in cooperation with said inorganic filler.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell components such as interelectrode separators, retaining screens and current collectors are contacted with lithium tetrachloroaluminate prior to contact with molten electrolytic salt to improve electrolyte wetting. The LiAlCl.sub.4 can be applied in powdered, molten or solution form but, since this material has a lower melting point than the electrolytic salt used in high-temperature cells, the powdered LiAlCl.sub.4 forms a molten flux prior to contact by the molten electrolyte when both materials are initially provided in solid form. Components of materials such as boron nitride and other materials which are difficult to wet with molten salts are advantageously treated by this process.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved resin composition comprising an admixture of a phenol-aldehyde resole resin and a particular surface active rewetting agent wherein said rewetting agent being a reaction product of a polypropylene glycol and maleic anhydride.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for forming a wettable battery separator comprising a non-woven mat of polyolefin fiber by forming a non-woven mat of polyolefin fiber having a thickness in the range 10 to 40 mils and pore sizes less than 40 microns, contacting the mat with an aqueous solution of a water soluble peroxy compound, e.g. hydrogen peroxide or potassium persulfate at a temperature below 70.degree. C., rinsing the mat in water and thereafter immersing the thus treated mat in an aqueous solution of a hydrophilic vinyl monomer such as acrylic, methacrylic, vinyl sulfonic acid, said solution containing a redox catalyst, e.g. an ion of a transition metal, e.g. ferrous, cerous, cobaltous, or an organic amine, thereby causing a graft polymerization of said hydrophilic vinyl monomer on said polyolefin mat to give a wettable polyolefin battery separator.

Abstract: A method of making porous polymer containing separators adapted for use in electrolytic electrical devices, particularly electrolytic capacitors, the separator capable of absorbing and retaining electrolyte and devices utilizing the resultant separators. The method includes the steps of loading a semi-liquid or liquid polymer containing material with at least one compound and at least one modifier material, solidifying the polymer containing material, and removing at least some of the compound to provide a porous polymer containing separator capable of absorbing and retaining electrolyte. When the separators of the present invention are utilized in electrolytic capacitors, especially aluminum electrolytic capacitors, reductions in capacitor volume without significant loss of capacitance are realized and capacitor manufacture is facilitated.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to polymer membranes to be used in electrochemical cells and improved processes for producing the same. The membranes are produced by radiation grafting techniques. The improved process includes the grafting of a hydrophilic monomer, such as methacrylic acid in a chlorinated organic solvent onto an inert base film such as polyethylene. The process also includes but is not limited to the use of inhibitors to limit homopolymerization of a grafting material, as well as emulsifying agents to lower the electrolytic resistance of the finished membrane.