Amtek Research International LLC

Cory S Rogers

Richard W Pekala

Robert R Waterhouse

Weston J Wood

Chi Thuong-Le La

Matthew Alan Warren

Robert Waterhouse

Jeffry M Frenzel

Don Spitz

David P Walker

Halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes are disclosed herein. The halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes can be manufactured using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that includes extrusion of polymer-plasticizer mixtures followed by sheet formation and extraction of the plasticizer with a halogen-free solvent. The halogen-free solvent has a flashpoint greater than about 23° C. and an initial boiling point at least about 50° C. lower than the flashpoint of the plasticizer. The process can further be a closed loop process in which the halogen-free solvent can be reused.

Microporous polyolefin membranes from bespoke solvents

A lead-acid battery separator with ultralow resistivity results from high porosity, controlled pore () size distribution, and an ionic surfactant () with a long alkyl side chain () that is anchored to the polymer matrix () 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.

Lead-acid battery separators with ultra low resistivity and sustained wettability

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Lebanon, OR, United States of America

Cory S Rogers