Abstract: Battery separators made of a wettable, uniform mat of melt blown fibers. The melt blown fibers are thermally bonded to one another. These fibers are made of a thermoplastic material. The fibers have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 13 microns (&mgr;) and lengths greater than 12 millimeters (mm). The mat has a basis weight ranging from 6 to 160 grams per square meter (g/m2), a thickness of less than 75 microns (&mgr;), and an average pore size of 0.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte battery has a spirally coiled electrode body (10) including a cathode (11) having a cathode active material and an anode (12) having an anode active material which are coiled through a separator (13) in a battery can (1). As the separator (13), is used a separator having a plurality of laminated microporous films made of polyolefine which have different film layer thickness and average pore size. Specially, the separator (13) has three or more layers of microporous films made of polyolefine laminated. Further, the outermost layer of the separator is made of porous polypropylene and at least one layer of inner layers is made of porous polyethylene. The total of the thickness of layers made of porous polyethylene is located within a range of 40% to 84% as thick as the thickness of the separator. Thus, the temperature of a battery can be controlled, a reliability is enhanced and a productivity and cyclic characteristics are improved.

Abstract: A rechargeable, alkaline, zinc-based battery containing a stack of hydrogen permeable cellulose-based films, each one optionally containing a dispersion of metal salts. A film may contain copper salt that reacts with cellulose to prevent zinc dispersion. A second film may contain fluoride salts that react with silver ions to prevent silver plating. A third optional film contains sulfide salts that react with copper ions to form copper sulfide salts to lower copper ion concentration in the electrolyte. The stack may also contain at least one hydrogen-permeable regenerated cellulose film and at least one hydrogen permeable hydrocarbon film such as polypropylene.

Abstract: The separator 10a for use in the alkaline storage battery of the invention comprises densely and uniformly formed over the entire separator and entrained from the surface to the back plane of the separator, first fine paths (pores) 15 rendered hydrophilic and second fine paths (pores) 16 rendered non-hydrophilic. In this manner, the gas generated in the vicinity of the first fine paths (pores) 15 can immediately reach the second fine paths (pores) 16 formed in the vicinity of the first fine paths (pores) 15 and transferred. On the other hand, the ions that attempt passing through the second fine paths (pores) 16 can readily reach the first fine paths (pores) 15 formed in the vicinity of the second fine paths (pores) 16, and hence, the ions can be transferred through the first fine paths (pores) 15.

Abstract: Disclosed is a successively biaxially stretched film obtained by successive biaxial stretching method comprising extruding a melt of a &bgr;-crystal nucleating agent-containing polypropylene-based resin composition from a T-die, cooling the extruded resin on a chill roll, and stretching the resulting web sheet longitudinally and then transversely, wherein the longitudinally stretched sheet is made to have a degree of &bgr;-crystal orientation of less than 0.

Abstract: A heat-resistant separator composed of a non-woven fabric of high-melting resin, 1 to 20 &mgr;m in average fiber diameter, 5 to 300 g/m2 in basis weight, 1 to 200 cc/cm2/sec in air permeability, and 0.01 to 1.0 mm in thickness, or a laminated heat-resistant separator composed of a laminate having a melt-blown, non-woven fabric layer of high-melting resin, 1 to 20 &mgr;m in average fiber diameter, 5 to 300 g/m2 in basis weight, 1 to 200 cc/cm2/sec in air permeability, and 0.01 to 1.0 mm in thickness is more resistant to heat, and hence safer, and is suitable for batteries and electrical double-layer capacitors serviceable at high temperature.

Abstract: Conventional separators had a function that their melting made minute holes inside the separator smaller, leading to cut off of ion conductivity in temperature increase due to unusual conditions such as short circuit. However, there was a problem that, at a temperature higher than a certain degree, not only the minute holes were closed but also the separator itself was melted to cause deformation of the separator such as shrink and generation of holes due to melting and insulation was broken. The present invention has been carried out in order to solve the above problems. The separator for batteries of the present invention comprises a first porous layer (3a) containing a thermoplastic resin as a main component and a second porous layer (3b) laminated on the first porous layer (3a), which has higher heat resistance than that of the first porous layer (3a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reforming the surface of polymer, especially to a method for providing hydrophilicity or increasing hydrophobicity by reforming the surface of polymer or polymer membrane. The present invention is a method for reforming the surface of polymer membrane by irradiating it with energized ionic particles under the vacuum condition. The method including the steps of: a) manufacturing polymer membrane, including a surface activated, by inserting polymer membrane into a vacuum chamber, and by irradiating energized ionic particles on the surface of polymer membrane with an ion beam under a high vacuum; and b) manufacturing polymer membrane treated with a reactive gas on the surface of membrane, including the activated surface of step a), by infusing the reactive gas into a vacuum chamber after energized ionic particles of step a) have been irradiated.

Abstract: A separator for a lithium ion secondary battery, comprising a porous base material containing polyolefin, and a porous layer containing a vinylidene fluoride resin as a main component provided on at least one surface of the porous base material is excellent in electrolytic solution retention properties, adhesion and bondability to electrodes, and dimensional stability, and also has high and uniform ionic conductivity, reduced interfacial resistance to electrodes, and shutdown properties. A lithium ion secondary battery having excellent capacity characteristics, charge and discharge characteristics, cycle characteristics, safety and reliability can be provided by using the separator.

Abstract: A battery with an excellent discharge load characteristic and low temperature discharge characteristic is provided. The battery comprises a wound electrode where a strip-shaped positive electrode and a strip-shaped negative electrode are wound with a separator (23) therebetween which is impregnated with an electrolyte. The separator (23) includes a macroporous film (23a) having an average pore size of 0.15 &mgr;m or less and an average ratio of a shortest internal diameter (DS) to a longest internal diameter (DL) in a pore not less than 0.4 nor more than 1.0. This can prevent clogging of macropores (23b) and improve electrolyte permeability, ionic permeability, and electrolyte retention of the separator (23). Therefore, the excellent discharge load characteristic and low temperature discharge characteristic can be obtained.

Abstract: Battery separators made of a wettable, uniform mat of melt blown fibers. The melt blown fibers are thermally bonded to one another. These fibers are made of a thermoplastic material. The fibers have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 13 microns (&mgr;) and lengths greater than 12 millimeters (mm). The mat has a basis weight ranging from 6 to 160 grams per square meter (g/m2), a thickness of less than 75 microns (&mgr;), and an average pore size of 0.3 to 50 microns (&mgr;).

Abstract: A method for removing a pin from a battery assembly by the step of providing a separator comprising: a microporous membrane having an exterior surface portion of polypropylene, the polypropylene including at least 50 ppm of metallic stearate, preferably calcium stearate Static and being adapted to exhibit a pin removal force ≦7100 g.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery separator comprising at least one microporous polymer layer and at least one fibrous layer, wherein the microporous polymer layer comprises micropores with an average pore size of less than 1 &mgr;m and a number of holes with a diameter which is greater than the average diameter of the pores of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a battery separator is disclosed. The method comprises applying a coating of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer to the fibers of a non-woven sheet and polymerizing the monomer in situ on the fiber surfaces. The non-woven sheet is from 50 to 3000 microns thick, and is composed of polyolefin fibers having an average fiber diameter from 0.5 to 5 microns and a surface area from 0.2 to 30 square meters per gram.

Abstract: A separator for a storage battery is a microporous membrane having a back web and a battlemented rib standing on the back web.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a spirally wound electrode group including: (a) a positive electrode including an active material layer containing nickel hydroxide and a positive electrode core material; (b) a negative electrode including an active material layer containing a hydrogen storage alloy and a negative electrode core material; and (c) a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the separator includes a hydrophilicity-imparted non-woven fabric including polyolefin or polyamide and has a thickness of 0.04 to 0.09 mm, and the percentage occupied by the cross section “SS” of the separator in the transverse cross section “S” of the electrode group is not greater than 25%.

Abstract: A battery packet (50) comprises a battery case (51) formed by processing a battery case forming laminated sheet (10), a battery 50a contained in the battery case (51), and tabs (59, 60) extending outside from the battery case (51). The battery case forming laminated sheet (10) is formed by laminating a first base film layer (1a), i.e., an outermost layer, a metal foil layer (2), and a heat-adhesive resin layer (3) in that order. The first base film layer (1a) is a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate resin film or a biaxially oriented nylon resin film. The metal foil layer (2) is an aluminum or copper foil. The heat-adhesive resin layer (3) is formed of a polyolefin resin, more preferably, of an acid-denatured polyolefin resin.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery comprises a negative electrode capable of intercalating/deintercalating lithium ion, a positive electrode made of a lithium-containing metal oxide as an active positive material, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, and a polyvinylidene fluoride resin is disposed between said negative electrode and positive electrode so that the battery voltage doesn't rise beyond a predetermined value even when said battery is overcharged.

Abstract: An inexpensive composite electrolyte for use in electrochemical fuel cells includes (i) an inorganic cation exchange material, (i) a silica-based binder; and (ii) a polymer-based binder. The cation exchange material includes aluminosilicate clays. The composite electrolyte can be fabricated with a tape casting apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrophilized separator material includes a plurality of synthetic fibers impregnated with 0.01 to 10 g/m2 of at least one of an alkali hydroxide and an alkali carbonate. In addition, a method for manufacturing such a separator material as well as an alkaline cell or battery containing such a separator material.

Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells containing no added mercury and having a concentration of potassium hydroxide in the electrolyte, prior to discharge, of between about 34 and 37% (w/v solution) and wherein the amount of electrolyte is such that, after a calculated level of one electron discharge of the manganese dioxide, the calculated concentration of potassium hydroxide is between 49.5 and 51.5% (w/v solution), have superior performance in intermittent discharge tests.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery to be mounted on a substrate including a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing an alloy of lithium and aluminum, and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a solute and a solvent; wherein the solvent contains propylene carbonate and diethylene glycol dialkyl ether. More preferably, the solvent also contains trialkyl phosphate.

Abstract: In a lithium polymer battery of the present invention, a positive electrode, an negative electrode and a separator respectively contain a vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, an electrolyte contains a solvent comprising diethyl carbonate and a solute dissolved in the solvent, and the electrolyte further contains diphenyl ether as an additive.

Abstract: A split resistant microporous membrane is provided for use in preparing a battery separator. The microporous membrane has a TD tensile strength to MD tensile strength ratio of from about 0.12 to about 1.2, preferably from about 0.5 to about 1. The microporous membrane is made by a process which includes the steps of preparing a film precursor by blown film extrusion at a blow-up ratio of at least 1.5, annealing the film precursor, and stretching the resultant annealed film precursor to form the microporous membrane.

Abstract: A very low emission hybrid electric vehicle incorporating an integrated propulsion system which includes a fuel cell, a metal hydride hydrogen storage unit, an electric motor, high specific power, high energy density nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and preferably a regenerative braking system.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery comprises: a positive electrode plate; a negative electrode plate; a separator; and an alkaline electrolyte retained by the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator, wherein the separator has a large number of pores, such that a total volume A of the pores (per unit mass; cm3/g) is in the range of 1≦A≦5, and the ratio of the volume B of pores having a diameter of 100 &mgr;m or more (per unit mass; cm3/g) to the total pore volume A is in the range of 7%≦B/A≦20% (i.e., B/A is between 0.07 and 0.2).

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell which achieves satisfactory low temperature characteristics and high safety against overcharging in combination. The cell includes a lithium-containing cathode, an anode capable of doping and undoping lithium, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a separator. The separator is made up by a plurality of layers of a porous material or materials presenting micro-sized pores. The layers of the porous material or materials is formed of micro-porous separator materials representing different combinations of the porosity, melting point or material/compositions.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lithium secondary battery including a multi-phase separator having a gelled polymer uniformly impregnated therein, includes surface-treating a porous separator to provide a coated weight of a gelled polymer less than or equal to 20 mg/cm2, by impregnating the porous separator into a gelled polymer solution containing less than or equal to 5 wt % of the gelled polymer based on a weight of an organic solvent. The separator is interposed between a cathode and an anode to prepare an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is placed into a housing, an electrolytic solution is injected into the housing, followed by sealing and curing a resultant structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven composite fabric for use on batteries or fuel cells comprising one or more layers of fine denier spunbond filaments and at least one layer of barrier material, wherein said nonwoven composite fabric has an improved barrier performance as measured by an increase in the hydrostatic head to barrier layer basis weight ratio. In the present invention, a first fine denier layer is formed, comprising continuous spunbond thermoplastic filaments, with the size of the continuous filaments between about 0.7 and 1.2 denier, preferably less than or equal to 1 denier. A barrier layer is deposited onto the first fine denier layer. The barrier layer preferentially comprises microfibers of finite length, wherein the average fiber diameter is in the range of about 1 micron to about 10 microns, and preferably between about 1 micron and 5 microns, said layers being consolidated into a composite fabric.

Abstract: A separator for use in zinc/bromine secondary batteries comprising a polyethylene having an overall viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 350,000 and not more than 2,000,000 containing not less than 10 wt. % and not more than 80 wt. % of a polyethylene having a molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more and fine particulate silica, wherein the ratio by weight of polyethylene/fine particulate silica is more than 1 and less than 1.5, and the ratio of the number of silicon atoms (Si) to the number of carbon atoms (C), Si/C, exposed on the surfaces of said separator excluding cross-sectioned surfaces thereof is not less than 0.01 and less than 0.2 as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Abstract: Battery separators made of a wettable, uniform mat of melt blown fibers. The melt blown fibers are thermally bonded to one another. These fibers are made of a thermoplastic material. The fibers have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 13 microns (&mgr;) and lengths greater than 12 millimeters (mm). The mat has a basis weight ranging from 6 to 160 grams per square meter (g/m2), a thickness of less than 75 microns (&mgr;), and an average pore size of 0.3 to 50 microns (&mgr;).

Abstract: A separator for metal/halogen batteries is provided which is excellent in thermal resistance, resistance to stress-cracking and electric properties. A separator for metal/halogen batteries comprising a polyolefin having a viscosity average molecular weight of not less than 350,000 and not more than 2,000,000, in which polyolefin the proportion by weight of a polyolefin having a molecular weight of not less than 1,000,000 is not less than 15% and not more than 80%, and a hydrophilic fine particulate inorganic material(s), wherein the weight ratio of the polyolefins to the hydrophilic fine particulate inorganic material(s) is not less than 0.55 and less than 1, said separator having a pore volume of not less than 900 mm3/g and a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A cathode, an anode and a porous film are first provided. Then, the cathode and anode are aligned with the porous film and a part of the cathode and a part of the anode are fixed to said porous film. Then, the cathode, anode and porous film are immersed in a liquid electrolyte. Finally, the cathode and anode are integrated with the porous film by compression. With this process, it is possible to produce a thin and lightweight polymer secondary battery or other secondary batteries with ease yet at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a electrochemical element, wherein a multi-component composite film comprising a) polymer support layer film and b) a porous gellable polymer layer which is formed on either or both sides of the support layer film of a), wherein the support layer film of a) and the gellable polymer layer of b) are unified with each other without an interface between them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous electrolyte solution absorber including an aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing a hydrophilic polar group to a water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is produced by filling a water permeable bag type member with the aqueous electrolyte solution absorbent polymer obtained by introducing the hydrophilic polar group to the water insoluble polymer and a material to be sucked. The aqueous electrolyte solution absorber is inexpensive and has a high safety, a broad applicable range and a good handling property upon transportation or storage. Thus, a large amount of aqueous electrolyte solution absorbers can be rapidly conveyed at one time even to a risky place where persons are endangered to convey the absorbers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a battery separator. The battery separator comprises a microporous film having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is bonded to the second portion. The bond has a strength greater than 5 g/in. The film has a thickness less than 1.7 mils, a Gurley of less than 50 sec/10 cc, and a puncture strength of greater than 400 g/mil.

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.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a microporous polyolefin membrane, high in pin puncture strength, adequate in pore diameter and high in porosity, comprising (A) an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 5×105 or more, or (B) a composition containing an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 5×105 or more, and having a porosity of 30 to 95%, bubble point exceeding 980 KPa and pin puncture strength of 4,900 mN/25 &mgr;m or more. The membrane can be used as a filter or as a separator for a battery.

Abstract: Provided are a polymeric gel electrolyte comprising a lithium salt, an organic solvent and a thermal curing product of a composition having a terpolymer having a repeating unit represented by formula (1), a repeating unit represented by formula (2) and a repeating unit represented by formula (3): 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel electrolyte solvent which is usable with a variety of carbonaceous and metal oxide electrode active materials, providing improved performance over a broad temperature range, and which is stabilized to maintain cell capacity over a number of cycles.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is made by assembling an anodic layer and a cathodic layer, these layers being separated by a plasticised membrane of polymeric material consisting of a PVdF-type polymer chain, and ethylene carbonate as a plasticiser, but containing no lithium salt, the membrane being less than 30 &mgr;m thick and being cast from a volatile solvent. The resulting cell precursor is soaked in an electrolyte solution to form the cell. The membrane absorbs the electrolyte solution, forming a gelled or polymeric electrolyte.

Abstract: A secondary cell capable of ensuring thermal and mechanical stabilities required for a high-capacity cell with a simple structure is provided. The secondary cell includes: a can; and an electrode jelly-roll wound with two different electrodes and a separator interposed between the electrodes therein and accommodated in the can, the outer surface of the electrode jelly-roll being wound around one more turn with the separator. Only the separator is wound at the core of the electrode jelly-roll to form a rod-like stability member which is cured by absorbing heat generated from the cell. The separator wound at the core of the electrode jelly-roll is continuous from a portion of the separator which is stacked with the two different electrodes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing electrode-separator assemblies for galvanic elements includes hot-lamination at temperatures close to the melting point or softening point of at least a portion of the surface of an electrode or separator to a separator or electrode, respectively.

Abstract: A method for removing a pin from a battery assembly by the step of providing a separator comprising: a microporous membrane having an exterior surface portion of polypropylene, the polypropylene including at least 50 ppm of metallic stearate, preferably calcium stearate Static and being adapted to exhibit a pin removal force ≦7100 g.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkaline storage battery comprising: a positive electrode comprising nickel hydroxide; a negative electrode; and an electrolyte layer interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrolyte layer comprises a water absorbent polymer and an aqueous alkaline solution. The water absorbent polymer is obtained by saponification of a copolymer comprising 100 parts by weight of monomer (A) and 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of monomer (B). The monomer (A) has at least one group capable of being converted to a carboxyl group by saponification and has one polymerizable double bond, and the monomer (B) has two or more polymerizable double bonds.

Abstract: Non-woven fabrics are disclosed comprising substantially unbonded fibers and vinyl monomers which are capable of reacting with an acid or a base to form a salt directly or indirectly by a reaction involving exposure to ultraviolet radiation while impregnated with a solution of the vinyl monomer copolymerized to the surface of the fibers. Laminates of these non-woven fabrics as well as electrochemical devices employing them as a separator, and methods of treating such non-woven fabrics are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mesoporous polymeric membrane for use as an ionically-conductive inter-electrode separator in a rechargeable battery cell contains a like distribution of mesopore voids throughout a membrane matrix. The porous membrane is capable of absorbing significant amounts of electrolyte solution to provide suitable ionic conductivity for use in rechargeable battery cells. The addition of inert particulate filler to the coating composition provides further strength in the body of the membrane and provides particulate support within the membrane mesopores which prevents collapse of the voids at cell fabrication laminating temperatures and thus maintains electrolyte absorption capability.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery separator comprising at least one first fibrous layer, at least one second fibrous layer, and at least one microporous polymer layer which is sandwiched between at least two fibrous layers, wherein said microporous polymer layer has an average pore size of less than 1 &mgr;m and wherein said at least one first fibrous layer has a thickness of at least 0.6 mm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery separator comprising at least one microporous polymer layer and at least one fibrous layer, wherein said microporous polymer layer comprises micropores with an average pore size of less than 1 &mgr;m and a number of holes with a diameter which is greater than the average diameter of the pores of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a battery separator comprising at least one fibrous layer and at least one support layer, wherein said support layer is formed of an acid-resistant material and comprises a plurality of macroscopic openings.