Preparation by Spark Plasma Sintering and Investigation of Inert Anode for Aluminum Electrolysis

Abstract

Spark plasma sintering was used to prepare Fe-Ni (Cu-41.32wt.% Cr) alloy in order to enhance the properties as inert anode for aluminum electrolysis. The effect of different sintering processes on the microstructures and properties of Fe-Ni alloy were studied by OM, SEM and EDS. The results show that the sintering process of milled powders can be divided into three stages: particles bonding, sintering neck growing, closed pole gap becoming spherical and narrowing. The SPS process of milled powders has some advantages of reacting at lower temperatures, completing faster and being densified easier than ordinary sintering. The density of Fe-Ni sample is improved and porosity is decreased as the sintering temperature is increased and holding time is extended. 1273K and 5min are the best parameters.