Aluminum Company of America

Stephen C Byrne

Siba P Ray

Robert A Rapp

Asuri K Vasudevan

James R Weaver

M Elise Hyland

John Knox McBride

Cathode plate aluminum sheet product for use in electrowinning of zinc in sulfuric acid containing electrolyte bath comprises an alloy (a) consisting essentially of about 0.2 to 0.5% magnesium, 0.15% maximum silicon, 0.1% maximum iron, 0.05% maximum copper, and 0.05% maximum zinc, the balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities, the aluminum amounting to at least 99% of aluminum alloy, or (b) consisting essentially of about 0.08 to 0.23% silicon, 0.1% maximum iron, 0.05% maximum copper, 0.05% maximum magnesium, 0.05% maximum zinc, the balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities, the aluminum being at least 99.4% of said alloy. The sheet products are work hardened by cold rolling and have a minimum yield strength of at least 14 ksi, preferably at least 15 or 16 ksi, and an electrical conductivity of preferably 58% I.A.C.S. or more together with good corrosion resistance. The combination of properties enables longer cathode service life in the harsh sulfuric acid containing electrolytic cell.

Aluminum alloy cathode plate for electrowinning of zinc

An improved method of treating an ingot to be made into lithoplate. The method also includes (a) providing a non-heat treatable aluminum alloy containing magnesium; (b) homogenizing said alloy; (c) rolling said alloy to form a sheet or plate; (d) heating said sheet or plate for a temperature and time sufficient to permit magnesium to migrate to the surface of said metal; and (e) cold rolling said sheet or plate stock to a finished gauge workpiece.

Method for making lithoplate having improved grainability

An improved method of treating an ingot to be made into lithoplate. The method also includes homogenizing and hot and cold rolling the ingot, heating the sheet to cause the formation of crystalline oxides on the surface and then cold rolling the sheet to a finished gauge workpiece.

A nonconsumable electrode assembly suitable for use in the production of metal by electrolytic reduction of a metal compound dissolved in a molten salt, the assembly comprising a metal conductor diffusion welded to a portion of a ceramic electrode body having a level of free metal or metal alloy sufficient to effect a metal bond.

Diffusion welded nonconsumable electrode assembly and use thereof for

A nonconsumable electrode assembly suitable for use in the production of metal by electrolytic reduction of a metal compound dissolved in a molten salt, the assembly comprising a metal conductor and a ceramic electrode body connected by a friction weld between a portion of the body having a level of free metal or metal alloy sufficient to effect such a friction weld and a portion of the metal conductor.

Friction welded nonconsumable electrode assembly and use thereof for

A nonconsumable electrode assembly suitable for use in the production of metal by electrolytic reduction of a metal compound dissolved in a molten salt, the assembly comprising a metal conductor attached to a ceramic electrode body by a metal bond on a portion of the body having a level of free metal or metal alloy sufficient to effect a metal bond.

Nonconsumable electrode assembly and use thereof for the electrolytic

A nonconsumable electrode assembly suitable for use in the production of metal by electrolytic reduction of a metal compound dissolved in a molten salt, the assembly comprising a ceramic electrode body and a metal subassembly of a metal conductor rod and at least one metal strap affixed to an end of the rod with opposing portions extending radially outwardly from the rod axis and having the ends of the strap attached to the electrode body.

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Monroeville, PA, United States of America

Stephen C Byrne