Sulfation is a common problem in traditional lead-acid automotive batteries. It occurs when the battery is deprived of a full charge and, more commonly, when acid stratification causes the electrolyte solution to become uneven. The higher concentration of sulfuric acid at the bottom of the battery causes sulfation on the plates and can have dramatic effects on the battery life and performance of your automotive battery.
So, what is sulfation, and how does acid stratification cause it?
During regular use, small sulfate crystals form, but these are normal and are not harmful. During prolonged charge deprivation, however, the amorphous lead sulfate converts to a stable crystalline and deposits on the negative plates. This leads to the development of large crystals that reduce the battery’s active material, which is responsible for the performance.
The electrolyte of a stratified battery concentrates at the bottom, starving the upper half of the cell. Acid stratification occurs if the battery dwells at low charge (below 80%), never receives a full charge, and has shallow discharges. Driving a car for short distances with power-robbing accessories engaged contributes to acid stratification because the alternator cannot always apply a saturated charge. Large luxury cars and start-stop cars are especially prone to acid stratification. This is not a battery defect per se, but is application related. The advancements in vehicle technology and endless added accessories have put immense demands on traditional lead-acid batteries.
This animation above shows a stratified battery in which the acid concentration is light on top and heavy on the bottom. The light acid on top limits plate activation, promotes corrosion, and reduces the performance, while the high acid concentration on the bottom makes the battery appear more charged than it is and artificially raises the open circuit voltage. The unequal charge across the plates reduces cold cranking amps, and starting the engine is sluggish. Excessive acid concentration induces sulfation on the lower half of the plates.
So, what's the solution?
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Each battery is manufactured with our patented and award-winning MIXTECH technology inside that prevents acid stratification from causing sulfation and prematurely killing your battery.
Using the motion of your vehicle, MIXTECH batteries continuously mix the electrolyte to prevent acid stratification.
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Source: https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-804c-acid-stratification-and-surface-charge
