Sample Preparation

Lithium-ion battery separator sample preparation

For lithium-ion battery separator films, preparation quality is part of the test. A perfect machine cannot rescue a strip with a nicked edge, unknown direction or crushed grip zone.

Minimum sample information

  • Separator material type, construction and whether the lithium-ion battery separator is coated on one or both sides.
  • Nominal thickness and any measured thickness data already available.
  • Machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD), marked clearly on the sample.
  • Required test: tensile, elongation, puncture or all three.
  • Requested standard or customer method, including speed and specimen count if known.

Cutting guidance for tensile and elongation

Cut straight strips with clean, parallel edges. Do not use scissors for final specimens if the edge becomes wavy or torn; lithium-ion battery separator films often fail from a microscopic edge defect before the material reaches its true response.

Send extra material for grip trials. The first decision is usually jaw pressure and jaw face, not test speed.

Samples for 1 mm needle puncture

Send flat sheet sections large enough for the selected clamp opening and repeat test locations. Keep puncture points away from sheet edges, folds, wrinkles, handling marks and any area previously gripped.

NeedleConfirm 1 mm diameter and tip profile.
ClampConfirm support opening and hold-down method.
SpeedConfirm penetration speed and preload.
OutputPeak force, displacement and curve export.

Packaging and labeling

Material / Lot / Thickness / Direction / Coating side / Test requested

Pack lithium-ion battery separator films flat between clean protective sheets. Avoid folding, tight rolling, adhesive tape on the test area, fingerprints and dust. If the sample has a coating side, mark it outside the test zone.