Controlled corrosion processes utilizing one atmosphere glow discharge plasma (OAGDP) in the manufacture of lead acid batteries

摘要

Controlled corrosion processes in the production of lead acid batteries, wherein the processes utilize one atmospheric glow discharge plasma (OAGDP) to generate etched and chemically altered grids to increase the development of electrically conductive lead dioxide. The process involves placing pasted or unpasted lead or lead alloy grids in a chamber having two plasma-generating electrodes therein. A feed stream is directed into the chamber and passes between the electrodes to develop a plasma at atmospheric pressure. In the plasma, the components of the feed stream break down into atomic and reactive species to create a reactive environment. When the lead or lead alloy grids are exposed the reactive environment, chemical reactions occur between the reactive species and the lead components in the grids to chemically etch and remove contaminates from the grids, as well as form a uniform crystalline structure of lead nitrate across the grid surface, which can react to form a layer of lead dioxide on the grid surface.