Properties and stability of a carbon-resin electrode

This paper presents a report on development and performance of locally developed non-heat treated carbon electrodes. Carbon electrodes were developed from used R 20 UM-1 dry cells collected. Carbon rods in the dry cells collected were removed, ground into powder of different particle sizes and moulded into electrodes of 2.5 cm diameter. Effects of particle sizes, compressive pressure and percentages of binder on resistance per unit length, density and stability of the developed carbon electrode were investigated. Results of the study revealed that resistance per unit length, density and stability of carbon-resin electrode are functions of particle size, compressive pressure and percentage composition of the binder. Density of the electrode increased from 1.26 to 1.65 g/cm3 when carbon particle size changed from 245 to 45 μm at 60 MN/m2 applied compressive pressure and decreases from 1.86 to 1.65 g/cm3 with a change in applied compressive pressure from 100 to 60 MN/m2. Resistance per unit length was found to increase with increasing portion of binder and decreases with increasing in applied compressive pressure. Stability of the electrode was of increasing order with increasing applied compressive pressure and decreases with increase in current density and carbon particle size. The carbon electrodes are intended to have direct application in electrochemical treatment of industrial wastewaters.