Among the many factors that determine and influence the performance of
lead/acid batteries, one of the most important, and as yet not fully
developed, is how to make the positive active mass more electrochemica
lly reactive. The inherent characteristics of this active mass are the
cumulative result of the four precursor stages of its production, nam
ely, the leady oxide, paste mixing, curing and formation procedures. T
here is evidence to suggest that the method of pasting itself is also
influential. Many recent studies have reported progress on techniques
to increase active-material utilization, to improve plate conditioning
, and to solve the vexagious problem of premature capacity loss. The p
urpose of this discussion is to focus attention on the role and the im
portance of leady oxide on battery design and performance. At present,
the battery industry makes leady oxide by either the ball-mill or the
Barton-pot process. It is difficult to conclude which of the two meth
ods gives the best leady oxide. Each type of leady oxide has its champ
ions but, in general, ball-mill and Barton-pot product both make effec
tive automotive batteries. For deep-cycle batteries, however, many bat
tery companies (especially in Europe and Japan) prefer ball-mill oxide
; in North America, the Barton-pot variety is favoured. This investiga
tion examines the present procedures for making leady oxide, the desir
able properties of leady oxide, and the influence of the oxide on batt
ery performance. Analysis shows that there is scope for the production
of improved leady oxide - by using existing production techniques and
/or by the development of new processing technology.