From Maxie
Sulfation , commonly known as corrosion always occurs on the positive terminal. Regular checking and maintenance of the battery will prvent this from happening. When it does occur apply some water over the terminal and springle bicarb of soda to it. leave it it foam and once this stops rinse the terminal with clean water, Dry the terminal and apply a good coating of grease to it.
Sulphation is the name given to a specific type of lead sulphate (Pb2SO4) that is created when a battery is discharged. The chemical process in a battery creates lead sulphate during discharge and reverses the process during the charging process. Over time, some of the lead sulphate created has a specific crystal structure which prevents its elimination during charging. This specific type of lead sulphate is commonly called sulphation..
Sulphation causes the battery to heat up during use and during charging, and a badly sulphated battery may actually boil, spitting electrolyte through the vent caps. This heat can also warp the plates (leading ultimately to shorted cells). Sometimes, this heat can be observed on the battery terminals either as discoloration (depending on the type of metal) or warped plastic casing.
Sulphation occurs more readily if a battery is left partially discharged for long periods of time, and high ambient temperatures accelerate the process.
The effects of sulphation go unnoticed until a point is reached where the battery ceases to function properly, loses its charge quickly while standing. Because sulphation occurs on the plates inside the battery, it is difficult to tell how serious the condition is by inspection. However, the tell-tale signs of sulphation are unmistakeable: loss of cranking (winch) power, battery runs flat more quickly than it should (even while standing idle), and in bad cases the casing of the battery can be seen to warped, usually bulging outwards.
Keeping a battery fully charged is the key to minimizing the build-up of sulphation, using an external charger if the vehicle stands for weeks/months without use. There are also devices on the market that can reverse sulphation in a battery depending on its overall condition, then keep t sulphation-free.
Hope this provides the background you are looking for.
Sulphation causes the battery to heat up during use and during charging, and a badly sulphated battery may actually boil, spitting electrolyte through the vent caps. This heat can also warp the plates (leading ultimately to shorted cells). Sometimes, this heat can be observed on the battery terminals either as discoloration (depending on the type of metal) or warped plastic casing.
Sulphation occurs more readily if a battery is left partially discharged for long periods of time, and high ambient temperatures accelerate the process.
The effects of sulphation go unnoticed until a point is reached where the battery ceases to function properly, loses its charge quickly while standing. Because sulphation occurs on the plates inside the battery, it is difficult to tell how serious the condition is by inspection. However, the tell-tale signs of sulphation are unmistakeable: loss of cranking (winch) power, battery runs flat more quickly than it should (even while standing idle), and in bad cases the casing of the battery can be seen to warped, usually bulging outwards.
Keeping a battery fully charged is the key to minimizing the build-up of sulphation, using an external charger if the vehicle stands for weeks/months without use. There are also devices on the market that can reverse sulphation in a battery depending on its overall condition, then keep t sulphation-free.
Hope this provides the background you are looking for.