The curing of positive plates for lead–acid batteries is a critical operation. During this process, the chemical and physical structure of the active-material is established and the plates develop the strength that is required for subsequent mechanical handling. (1. Introduction)
What kills lead acid batteries is discharge. After discharge, the engine's alternator pushes energy at the battery; the charging process creates heat and some evaporation of the electrolyte (even 'maintenance free' batteries vent a little). The deeper the discharge, more re-charge is required which causes more heat and more evaporation.
Batteries with plates produced with 4BS and then cured at 90 o C for less than 4 h have both satisfactory power output and cycle life. Curing of negative plates. For high tech battery manufacture the duration of curing of negative plates should be less than 8 hours.
The additive promotes rapid conversion of 3BS to 4BS in the curing chamber at temperatures above 55 °C (130 °F) when low paste-mixing temperatures result in reduced 4BS formation in the paste mix. This reduces the need to develop this material during the curing process by causing formation of 4BS in the paste mix.
SureCure ® has been found to be effective for both positive and negative plates. The additive causes formation of 4BS in the paste mix and this reduces the need to develop this material during the curing process.
Journal of Power Sources, 41 (1993) 185-193 185 Technical Note Aspects of lead/acid battery technology 3. Plate curing L. Prout Aydon Road Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5EN (UK) (Received April 4, 1990) Abstract Curing is the process by which strength and adhesion of paste to grid is established prior to formation.