A Comparison of Properties of Electrodes Graphitized by the Acheson and Castner Methods

Properties of electrodes graphitized by the traditional Acheson method and the innovative method of Castner are compared. The higher heating rate in the Castner graphitization technique causes formation of microcracks in the electrode body, which results in a decrease of density and mechanical strength of the graphitized electrodes in comparison to those in the Acheson method. The results of industrial tests attest to a higher thermal strength of Castner-graphitized electrodes.