| abstract |
A lead-acid battery separator with ultralow resistivity results from high porosity, controlled pore (10) size distribution, and an ionic surfactant (14) with a long alkyl side chain (18) that is anchored to the polymer matrix (12) of a silica-filled polyethylene separator. The surfactant cannot be easily removed or washed away and thereby imparts sustained wettability to the separator. Controlling the number of, and volume occupied by, the pores (i.e., porosity) and pore size distribution of the separator contributes to a reduction in electrical (ionic) resistivity. |