Silver–calcium alloy batteries are a type of lead–acid battery with grids made from lead – calcium – silver alloy, instead of the traditional lead–antimony alloy or newer lead–calcium alloy. They stand out for its resistance to corrosion and the destructive effects of high temperatures.
Lead alloys are combinations of lead with other elements such as antimony, calcium, tin, and silver, used to enhance mechanical strength, creep resistance, and other properties in battery components like grids and connectors.
Initially, lead–acid battery grids were produced from the eutectic alloy of 11% antimony. This lead alloy has a single freezing point at 273 °C and thus the grid was either liquid or solid, making grid casting relatively simple.
Lead–antimony alloys, lead–calcium alloys, and newer lead-based alloys are commonly utilized in the production of lead–acid batteries for various applications. You might find these chapters and articles relevant to this topic. K. Kikuchi, in Comprehensive Nuclear Materials, 2012
This lead alloy has a single freezing point at 273 °C and thus the grid was either liquid or solid, making grid casting relatively simple. Antimony was relatively expensive and lead–acid battery manufacturers attempted to reduce the antimony content of the battery grids.
The heat transport characteristics of lead and lead-alloys allow large fuel rod pitches that result in low pressure drops and enable application of natural circulation.