Composition for making wettable cathode in aluminum smelting
AssigneeAlcoa Inc.
InventorsDouglas A. Weirauch, JR., Lance M. Sworts, Brian J. Tielsch, Robert A. DiMilia
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Compositions for making wettable cathodes to be used in aluminum electrolysis cells are disclosed. The compositions generally include titanium diboride (TiB2) and metal additives. The amount of selected metal additives may result in production of electrodes having a tailored density and/or porosity. The electrodes may be durable and used in aluminum electrolysis cells.
Claims20
An electrode for use in an aluminum electrolysis cell, the electrode comprising:
- 0.01 to 0.75 wt. % metal additives, wherein the metal additives are selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, and W, and combinations thereof;
- the balance being TiB2 and unavoidable impurities, wherein the unavoidable impurities make up less than 2 wt. % of the electrode;
- wherein the electrode has a density of at least about 85% of its theoretical density.
A method comprising:
- (a) producing a blended TiB2 composition, the producing step comprising:
- (i) selecting a metal additive selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, and Co, and combinations thereof;
- (ii) selecting a density of an electrode to be produced;
- (iii) selecting an amount of the metal additive to achieve the selected density;
- and
- (iv) blending the selected amount of metal additive with a TiB2 powder to produce a blended powder composition;
- (b) producing an electrode from the blended TiB2 composition, wherein the electrode realizes an actual density that is substantially similar to the selected density.
A composition consisting essentially of TiB2 and metal additives, wherein the composition includes 0.01 to 0.75 wt. % metal additives, the balance being the TiB2 and unavoidable impurities, wherein the unavoidable impurities make up less than 2 wt. % of the electrode;
- wherein the metal additives are selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, and W, and combinations thereof;
- and
- wherein the electrode has a density of from about 85% to about 99% of its theoretical density.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.