THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND THE CAPACITY DECAY-RATE OF MLNI3.8CO0.6MN0.55TI0.05 ALLOY - I - CAPACITY DECAY-RATE MEASUREMENTS

The capacity decay rates of MLNi3.8Co0.6Mn0.55Ti0.05 alloys prepared u sing different methods were investigated by electrochemical charge-dis charge cycling tests. The cycle stability of the alloy could be improv ed by rapid solidification of the melted alloy compared with the corre sponding as-cast alloy of the same composition. The capacity decay rat e could be further decreased by annealing at a lower temperature such as 673 K. However, the capacity decay rate increased to a much higher level when the quenched alloy was annealed at a higher temperature suc h as 1073 K. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.