Abstract
The superalloys Cu-Ni-Al, Cu-Ni-Fe, and Cu-Ni-Cr were studied as anodes for aluminum electrolysis. The alloys were tested for corrosion in acidic electrolyte molten salt and for oxidation in both air and oxygen. The results showed that the Cu-Ni-Al anodes possess excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion, and the oxidation rates of Cu-Ni-Fe and Cu-Ni-Al anodes were slower than those of pure copper or nickel. During electrolysis, the cell voltage of the Cu-Ni-Al anode was affected most by the concentration of alumina in cryolite molten salt. The Cu-Ni-Fe anode exhibited corrosion resistance in electrolyte molten salt. Comparatively, the Cu-Ni-Cr anode showed poor resistance to oxidation and corrosion. The testing found that further study is warranted on the use of Cu-Ni-Al and Cu-Ni-Fe as inert alloy anodes.
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For more information, contact Zhongning Shi, Northeastern University, School of Materials and Metallurgy, WenhuiRoad No. 3, Shenynag, Liaoning 110004 China; e-mail znshi@163.com
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Shi, Z., Xu, J., Qiu, Z. et al. Copper-nickel superalloys as inert alloy anodes for aluminum electrolysis. JOM 55, 63–65 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-003-0213-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-003-0213-9