Influence of carbonisation on selected engineering properties of carbon resin electrodes for electrochemical treatment of wastewater

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, effects of selected factors on selected properties of carbon resin electrodes (CRE) have been investigated. CRE were developed from used dry cells and resin using non‐heat‐treatment process. Selected properties (density, electrical resistance, microstructure, hygroscopy, stability moisture content, compressive and flexural strength) of the electrodes were monitored and effects of carbonisation temperature, carbon particle size, and compaction pressure on these properties were studied.The study revealed that the density of CRE was in the range of 1.33 to 1.59 g/cm3, compressive strength ranged from 36.56 to 43.81 MN/m2, flexural strength, moisture content, and swelling were in the range of 6.76 to 8.10 MN/m2, 0.84–0.93%, and 6.04–9.30%, respectively. In all cases electrical resistance and density of CRE decreased with increasing carbonisation temperature at various operational factors (particle size, compacting pressure, and percentage of the resin used). Also, it was revealed that carbonisation of CRE from 30 to 220°C reduced specific electrical resistance and density from 1.85 to 1.29 × 10−1 Ω/cm and from 1.35 to 1.24 g/cm3, respectively, but carbonisation temperature had no significant effect on wetness, compressive and flexural strength, stability, and moisture content of the electrodes. Estimated costs revealed that cost of producing CRE was cheaper ($13.25/m) than that of heat‐treated electrodes ($33.33/m).It was concluded that carbonisation temperature, particle size, compacting pressure, and percentage of the resin used are important factors in the development of CRE with lower specific electrical resistance.