| Abstract: | Multifilament silicon carbide fibers (Nippon Carbon, Nicalon type) and carbon fibers (Thornel, Pan T 300 and Pitch type) were used to produce lead-matrix composite materials for battery plate grid applications. Lead was impregnated into the fibers by electrodeposition from fluoborate baths. The electrical conductivity of carbon fibers was sufficient for direct electroplating; silicon carbide fibers were electroless plated with copper beforehand. The experimental conditions for good penetration of lead into the fiber tows were determined.Unidirectional composite samples with a fiber volume fraction of 5 to 25% were prepared from both lead impregnated fiber sheets and rods by hot-pressing (280°C, 50 MPa, 5–30 mm). The flexural strength and modulus of these samples were measured as a function of the infiltration current density and of the fiber volume fraction. Ultimate strengths in the range 300–400 MPa were attained for both lead-silicon carbide and lead-carbon composites, at a fiber volume fraction of about 25%. These latter composites exhibited a good corrosion resistance towards 38.5 wt-% sulfuric acid under non-anodic conditions. |
