Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t7fkt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T18:50:48.274Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Investigation on the structure of carbonized pitch and calcined coke-carbonized pitch interface in carbon anodes by etching

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 November 2016

Xianai Huang*
Affiliation:
University of Quebec at Chicoutimi 555, Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada
Duygu Kocaefe
Affiliation:
University of Quebec at Chicoutimi 555, Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada
Ying Lu
Affiliation:
University of Quebec at Chicoutimi 555, Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada
Dipankar Bhattacharyay
Affiliation:
University of Quebec at Chicoutimi 555, Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada
Yasar Kocaefe
Affiliation:
University of Quebec at Chicoutimi 555, Boulevard de l'Université, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada
Patrick Coulombe
Affiliation:
Aluminerie Alouette Inc., Sept-Îles, Québec G4R 5M9, Canada
*
a) Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
Get access

Abstract

A novel, simple, quick, and economic method has been developed to etch samples for characterizing the structural aspects of carbonized pitch alone and in baked anodes. Hot air is used to etch the polished carbonized pitch surface for creating its topography; followed by the characterization of the structure using scanning electron microscope. Hot air preferentially etches the carbonized pitch, which make the differentiation of carbonized pitch from the calcined coke particles possible in baked anode. After etching, lamellar parallel cracks are created and fine granular mosaics are observed on the surfaces of carbonized pitch. The structural composition in baked anode differs visibly from the pure carbonized pitch baked under the same conditions. This may be due to the effect of fine coke particles in anode on the formation of structure during baking. The etching technique permits the determination of the internal structure of carbonized pitch and its interface with coke in anode.

Type
Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2016 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Tosta, M.R.J. and Inzunza, E.M.: Structural evaluation of coke of petroleum and coal tar pitch for the elaboration of anodes in the industry of the aluminum. In Light Metals 2008, DeYoung, D.H, ed. (TMS Light Metals, New Orleans, 2008); p. 887.Google Scholar
Neyrey, K., Edwards, L., Anthony Ross, J., and Vogt, F.: A tool for predicting anode performance of non-traditional calcined cokes. Presented at the 134th TMS Annual Meeting, H. Kvande, , ed. (TMS Light Metals, San Francisco 2005); p. 607.Google Scholar
Hays, D., Patrick, J.W., and Walker, A.: SEM characterization of cokes and carbons. Fuel, 62, 1079 (1983).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hays, D., Patrick, J.W., and Walker, A.: A scanning electron microscope study of fractured and etched metallurgical coke surfaces. Fuel 61(3), 232 (1982).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hays, D., Patrick, J.W., and Walker, A.: SEM study of binder coke in electrode carbon. Fuel 62(8), 946 (1983).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Marsh, H., Forrest, M., and Pacheco, L.A.: Structure in metallurgical cokes and carbons as studied by etching with atomic oxygen and chromic acid. Fuel 60(5), 423 (1981).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Méndez, A., Santamaría, R., Granda, M., Morgan, T., Herod, A.A., Kandiyoti, R., and Menéndez, R.: Influence of granular carbons on pitch properties. Fuel 82(10), 1241 (2003).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patrick, J.W., Reynolds, M.J., and Shaw, F.H.: Development of optical anisotropy in vitrains during carbonization. Fuel 52(3), 198 (1973).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Patrick, J.W., Shaw, F.H., and Willmers, R.R.: Microscopic examination of polished coke surfaces etched by ion bombardment. Fuel 56(1), 81 (1977).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
White, J.L.: The formation of microstructure in graphitizable materials. Prog. Solid State Chem. 9(C), 59 (1975).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jones, S.S. and Bart, E.F.: Binder for the ideal anode carbon (Minerals, Metals & Materials Soc. (TMS), San Diego, 1990); p. 611.Google Scholar
Adams, A.N., Mathews, J.P., and Schobert, H.H.: The use of image analysis for the optimization of pre-baked anode formulation. Presented at the 131st TMS Annual Meeting, Light Metals: Proceedings of Sessions, Peterson, R., ed. (TMS, Seattle, 2002) p. 547.Google Scholar
Barnet, F.R. and Norr, M.K.: Carbon fiber etching in an oxygen plasma. Carbon 11(4), 281 (1973).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Marsh, H.: Carbonization and liquid-crystal (mesophase) development: Part 1. The significance of the mesophase during carbonization of coking coals. Fuel 52(3), 205 (1973).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hays, D., Patrick, J.W., and Walker, A.: Application of SEM to studies of the strength of carbons. Polym.-Plast. Technol. Eng. 33(6), 713 (1994).CrossRefGoogle Scholar