Characterization of Artificial Graphite Electrodes

Physical properties of artificial graphite electrodes were evaluated along three different directions; circumferential (X), radial (Y), and axial (Z) directions. Four kinds of commercial electrode products were used in this study for the evaluation; pole (AP) and nipple (AN) of manufacturer A, pole (BP) and nipple (BN) of manufacturer B. The mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties in X and Y directions were very similar to each other. In Z direction, however, the mechanical properties, including flexural strength and compressive strength, were higher, and electric resistance and thermal expansion were much lower than those in the other directions. The microstructures observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope revealed that the differences in properties by the measuring direction were caused by the preferential alignment of needle cokes along the Z direction. When comparing the properties of the electrode samples in the same direction, the mechanical properties mainly depended on the bulk density or porosity of the samples as well as preferential alignment of needle cokes.