Paper or Plastic ... O-ring gasket for cylindrical lithium ion cells

[garolittle]

Question for the experts … If a cylindrical lithium ion cell does not have any wrapping or the white plastic O-ring gasket that goes in it, could you put a paper O-ring gasket in it rewrap it and expect it to be just as safe as the original set up? A .25mm thick copper sheet will be spot welded to the cathode and anode side. Is there a risk of a "shoulder short" on the cathode side if there is a paper gasket instead of the original plastic gasket? Hope that makes sense. Thanks. :thumb:

 

[liveforphysics]

Paper/fiber washers generally have the best mechanical cut-through resistance and vibration chaffing performance. That said, if not protected from humidity they often will absorb water and act as a porous electrolyte bridge between different voltages in a pack, promoting easier corrosion induced failures where cells may fail electrolyte containment. Paper materials encapsulated in potting to mute the humidity saturation issues, or plastic with good high temperature creep resistance if it must be exposed to humidity. In this case the walls of the can itself will wick condensation under the shrink creating new failure modes.

 

[garolittle]

Paper/fiber washers generally have the best mechanical cut-through resistance and vibration chaffing performance…..

Thanks sir. I really appreciate your response.