Evaluation of the Temperature Dependency of Tensile Strength of Electrode Materials for Lithium- Ion Batteries

Significance of the Topic

The mechanical integrity of lithium-ion battery electrodes is critical for manufacturing yield and long-term performance. Electrode foils undergo tensile stresses and elevated temperatures during assembly, so understanding how temperature influences their strength and ductility supports material selection and process optimization.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study assessed the temperature dependence of tensile strength and elongation at failure for three metal foils (A1N30, A1070, C1100) used as electrode current collectors. Tests were conducted at room temperature, 100 °C and 180 °C to simulate key stages of battery electrode processing.

Used Instrumentation

• Precision Universal Testing Machine AGS-V with 500 N load cell
• Compact Thermostatic Chamber TCE-N300A, temperature‐controlled via TRAPEZIUM X-V software
• 1 kN pneumatic flat grips designed for thin foil specimens

Methodology

Foil specimens (thickness 0.015–0.020 mm, gauge length 100 mm, width 25 mm) were tested at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. Three replicates per material and temperature condition were performed. Pneumatic grips ensured consistent clamping force, minimizing slippage and premature failure at the grip interface. Stress‐strain curves were recorded to derive tensile strength and strain at failure.

Main Results and Discussion

All materials exhibited a pronounced decrease in tensile strength with increasing temperature: A1N30 from 179 MPa (RT) to 102 MPa (180 °C), A1070 from 146 MPa to 89.1 MPa, and C1100 from 499 MPa to 134 MPa. Elongation at failure increased under elevated temperatures, notably for C1100 (from 1.05 % to 3.90 % at 180 °C) and for A1N30 and A1070 at both 100 °C and 180 °C. Stress-strain curves confirmed softening and enhanced ductility as temperature rose.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Accurate tensile testing under realistic temperature conditions informs selection of electrode materials for improved reliability.
• Pneumatic grips and extended load‐cell accuracy ensure repeatable measurements even at low forces.
• Data support optimization of manufacturing parameters, reducing defect rates in battery production.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of in-line tensile testing for real-time quality control.
• Extension to coated foils and composite electrodes to assess binder and coating effects.
• Coupling mechanical tests with microstructural characterization (e.g., SEM, XRD) to link morphology and performance.
• Development of high-throughput automated testing workflows for rapid screening of novel current collectors.

Conclusion

The tensile strength of lithium-ion battery electrode foils decreases significantly with temperature, while ductility increases. The Shimadzu AGS-V equipped with a thermostatic chamber and pneumatic grips provides robust, high-accuracy data essential for material and process development in battery manufacturing.

References

Tomoya Matsushita, Evaluation of the Temperature Dependency of Tensile Strength of Electrode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries, Shimadzu Application News, First Edition: Jul. 2025