Electrolytic production of aluminum
US4650552A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1985 |
| Grant date | Mar 17, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25C3/24
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In the electrolytic production of aluminum by electrowinning or electrorefining processes, cell components such as cathode current feeders which in use are normally covered with molten aluminum are made of a composite material of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or intermetallic compound with an aluminum oxycompound, usually alumina, and possibly containing minor amounts of additives such as borides carbides, nitrides or oxides. The composite material, which remains mechanically stable and electrically conductive at 1000.degree. C., may be prepared by hot pressing powders at 1000.degree.-1700.degree. C. possibly after surface treating the alumina to improve wettability by molten Al. The components are optionally coated, e.g. with TiB.sub.2. The composite materials are also useful as non-current carrying components, including separator walls, weirs, packing elements and baffles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.