Characterization of Prebaked Anode Carbon By Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Abstract

Laboratory tests have shown that there is a significant effect of coke source, binder content, forming method, and baking temperature on the properties of prebaked carbon. Density, mechanical strength, Young’s modulus, and thermal conductivity increase and electric resistivity and anode consumption decrease as the binder content increases to optimum. Vibrated test electrodes are more sensitive to changes in coke source and binder content than pressed electrodes. The use of high amounts of anode butts has a slightly adverse effect on electric resistivity, rate of oxidation, and anode consumption, while it improves mechanical strength. Increasing the quinoline insoluble content of the pitch binder results in a higher binder requirement, improved mechanical properties, but not significantly different anode consumption. Rates of change in the binder requirement equal to 0.12 wt % per 0.01 g/cm³ increase in coke bulk density were found. Examination of plant vibrated and pressed anodes produced from the same mix showed lower density, mechanical strength, and Young’s modulus for the vibrated anodes which also performed better in the potrooms.