The Electrodeposition of Zinc on Zinc Starting Sheets

Abstract

The conditions necessary for making thick electrodeposits of zinc on zinc starting sheets were investigated with the object of eliminating the stripping costs and reducing melting losses, which occur under the present practice of using aluminum starting sheets. Finished cathodes as thick as 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) were produced on sheets rolled from four‐nines zinc, and cathodes as thick as 1 inch (2.5 cm) were produced on sheets of commercial grade zinc. These results were obtained by rigorous purification of cell feed solution and by using cathodes of special design. Compared to present aluminum starting sheet costs, the use of zinc starting sheets is expected to offset in part, if not completely, the expense of the extra liquor purification step. This would leave intact the savings effected by eliminating the zinc stripping step and by reducing melting losses.