An image reconstruction modeling approach for micro- fibrous network of cellulose polymer separator concerning tensile and pore properties

Cellulose is applicable for preparing lithium-ion battery separators due to its excellent properties. Factors affecting the performance of the cellulose separator can be explored via modeling the micro-fibrous structure, which can provide guidance for preparing design and optimization of separators. In this paper, a three-dimensional modeling method based on digital image processing is proposed for random fibrous network of cellulose separator, with a strong focus on the fibrous parameters. Finite element simulation on elastic mechanics is conducted, and the modeling accuracy has been discussed, where the effect of the fiber diameter and quantity on the elastic property of fibrous separator is comprehensively investigated. The relationship between porosity and elastic modulus can be predicted by both modeling simulation and experiment with a small error, indicating that the modeling method is credible. The pore property, that is, porosity and tortuosity, of the constructed model is calculated and compared with related work to characterize battery performance of separator. The result has shown the feasibility of the fibrous model in pore study. This work has provided an effective and reliable modeling approach for fibrous network, which can be utilized to investigate the mechanical and pore properties of battery separators.