Thermal methods, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG), are highly sensitive analytical techniques that can be used for quality control of the materials and the technological processes during battery manufacture. This paper presents the results of our investigation aimed to estimate the efficiency of the two thermal methods, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry, for analysis and control of the processes taking place during battery production and operation. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.