ASPECTS OF LEAD-ACID-BATTERY TECHNOLOGY .7. SEPARATORS

The separator is one of the most critical components of the lead/acid battery. Too often, its role in determining performance and life is ignored. Although its primary function is to prevent electrical contact between plates of opposite polarity, it must also give free movement to sulfate ions through the electrolyte space, but restrict the migration of antimony ions from the positive grid to the negative material when lead-antimony alloys are used. The main types of separator are described, from wood through to microporous synthetic material, together with the effect of their physical and electrical characteristics on battery performance and life.