IMPROVED ABSORBENT GLASS MAT SEPARATORS, VRLA BATTERIES, AND RELATED METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE

Disclosed herein are soluble content absorbent glass mats or AGM separators for VRLA, AGM, or VRLA AGM batteries. Such glass mats may be prepared from insoluble glass fibers blended with soluble content materials. Upon exposure to a suitable solvent, the dissolving or solvating of the soluble content produces voids within the glass mat. The voids enhance the absorption of the solvent within the glass mat. The soluble content may be acid-soluble glass fibers or microfibers.