An absorbent separator for an electric battery which comprises an elastomeric resin binder material (e.g. vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer) blended with a gelling agent (e.g. starch, flour) which absorbs the battery electrolyte and immobilizes it in contact with the anode surface. This absorbent separator swells as it absorbs the battery electrolyte which improves the conductivity and helps to avoid selective corrosion of the anode surface. The absorbent separator, which may be self-supporting, has sufficient strength for use with automatic battery manufacturing machinery. When used in conventional Le Clanche primary batteries, these absorbent separators hold the battery discharge product in place and thereby help to prevent battery leakage.