Improved grid materials for valve regulated lead acid batteries

During the last several years, research into lead alloys used as grid materials for valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries has led to a much better understanding of the roles of chemical composition and mechanical properties on the performance of the battery. VRLA batteries have suffered from premature capacity loss. It was believed that the loss was due to the absence of antimony in the battery grids. Recent work has indicated the beneficial effects of high tin contents on enhancing the conductivity of the grid-active material interface, increasing the mechanical properties, and reducing the corrosion rates of Pb-Ca-Sn alloys used in VRLA batteries. Additions of silver and controlled deformation processes enhance resistance to growth at elevated operating temperatures. The paper discusses how modification of composition and processing parameters can produce more stable, corrosion resistant, grid materials for VRLA batteries.