Meaning
Internal structural degradation characterized by minute fissures often occurs within the active material or current collectors of a battery cell. Micro cracking failure results from the repeated volume expansion and contraction during charge cycles or mechanical vibrations during vehicle operation. These tiny cracks eventually merge to form larger paths for degradation.
Structural Integrity
Mechanical strength of the electrodes decreases as the network of fissures grows over time. In a micro cracking failure, the electrical contact between the active material and the metal foil is lost, which increases the internal resistance of the cell. This lead to a drop in power and an increase in heat generation during use.
Stress Factor
Rapid charging and extreme temperature changes accelerate the formation of these internal defects. Monitoring for micro cracking failure is a standard part of the life cycle testing for new battery chemistries. Some materials are more prone to this issue because of their crystal structure or particle size.
Life Cycle
Cumulative damage from these fissures determines the end of life for most lithium ion cells. Preventing micro cracking failure is a goal for researchers developing solid state batteries and advanced coatings for cathodes. This ensures that the battery retains its capacity for several thousand cycles.