Formation of dendritic copper deposit in industrial electrolysis

• Published in: Powder metallurgy and metal ceramics Vol. 49; no. 5-6; pp. 253 - 259
• Main Authors: Osipova, M. L., Murashova, I. B., Savel’ev, A. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-11-2010; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: CATHODES; Ceramics; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Copper; Copper industry; COPPER RESOURCES; Crystallization; DENDRITIC STRUCTURES; Deposits; DUSTS; ELECTROLYSIS; Glass; Homogeneity; INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS; Manufacturing Technology; Materials Science; MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS; Mathematical models; Metal scrap; Metallic Materials; MINERAL DEPOSITS; Natural Materials; Powders; Properties of Powders and Fibers; SCRAP; Theory; electrolysis; copper; cathodic overpotential; variation in structural parameter; dendritic deposit; video recording of dendritic deposit growth
• ISSN: 1068-1302; 1573-9066
• DOI: 10.1007/s11106-010-9230-8

The paper examines variation in the structural characteristics of copper deposit in the electrolysis process. In spite of the extensive post-electrolysis treatment, the properties of the products are greatly dependent on the structure of particles formed during electrolysis. A method is described to monitor the electrochemical crystallization of dendritic copper deposit in an industrial electrolytic cell. The governing equation is completed with a parameter for 95% mean current efficiency of the copper deposit to use the model of dendritic growth on a cylindrical electrode to describe the crystallization of brittle copper. With this method, the growth of the dendritic deposit is videorecorded and the time dependence of cathodic overpotential is plotted. The data are processed to show the variation in the structural parameter of the dendritic deposit and to determine reliably the periods for removal of the powder from the cathode to decrease the yield of cathodic scrap and increase the powder homogeneity.