Effect of carbon recycle materials on properties of bench scale prebaked anodes for aluminum smelting

Abstract

Bench scale aluminum smelting anodes were produced from aggregates having butts contents of 0 to 40 wt pct, from 100 pct mixer scrap or 100 pct green anode scrap, and from aggregates having used potlining contents of 0 to 25 pct to determine effects on important properties. Butts additions increased baked apparent density, decreased electrical resistivity, baking shrinkage, and thermal shock cracking resistance, and had little effect on excess carbon consumption. Use of 100 pct mixer scrap was equivalent to use of freshly blended coke and pitch. Use of 100 pct green anode scrap increased baked apparent density, decreased electrical resistivity, and may have reduced carbon consumption. Additions of used potlining increased carbon consumption, had little effect on electrical resistivity, and had a variable effect on thermal shock cracking resistance.