Titanium anodes are made from titanium sheets and are commonly-used in electro polishing plants, copper plants, acid zinc plants, and electroplating plants.
Titanium Overview
Titanium is a lustrous, silvery metal that has high strength and low density. Its chemical symbol is Ti and atomic number 22. Among its outstanding physical and chemical properties are:
- Low thermal conductivity – 21.37g/cm3
- Excellent tensile strength – 8.8×10-6/°C (20-100°C)
- High melting point – 1768°C
- Low density – 21.37g/cm3
- Low electrical conductivity
- High ductility
- Good refractory
- Paramagnetic
- Corrosion resistant
In addition to these, titanium is more rigid than silver and does not dissolve in acid or discolor in air.
Titanium Anodes
Titanium anodes usually fabricated into titanium anode baskets using titanium sheets to enable the smooth flowing of electrolytes. They come in different sizes and shapes. Some benefits of using titanium anode baskets are:
- Light weight
- High strength
- Non-corrosive
- Durable
- Less voltage loss
- High anode efficiency
They can either be perforated or with expanded metal that has 60%-80% open area.
Configurations
Rectangular baskets:
- Have double carrier hooks that add support
- Good for vertical hoisting
- Typical length of between 8 and 72 inches, but can be longer if necessary
- Titanium Grade 2
- Chemical composition includes: 0.08 C, 0.25 O, and 0.03 N
- Mechanical Properties: Yield KSI minimum/maximum: 40/65, tensile KSI minimum: 50, % elongation minimum: 20
Cylindrical baskets:
- Have vertical and horizontal bands for support
- Solid and sturdy bottom
- A support ring on top for reinforcement
- Typically have a diameter of at least 2.5 inches
- Titanium Grade 2
- Chemical composition includes: 0.08 C, 0.25 O, and 0.03 N
- Mechanical Properties: Yield KSI minimum/maximum: 40/65, tensile KSI minimum: 50, % elongation minimum: 20
Custom baskets, such as spirals, dipping baskets and conforming anodes, are also available upon request to the manufacturers.
Platinized Titanium Anode
Platinized titanium anodes undergo a special type of process that modifies the titanium substrate before plating. As a result, the titanium surface becomes more uniform and has better adhesion.
They are widely used in the following applications:
- Electroforming – microstructures, hollow jewellery, dentistry
- Electrowinning – cobalt mining, nickel, copper
- Electroplating – circuit boards, chrome, copper, zinc, nickel, gold, silver, and more.
- Electrochemical synthesis – electro-oxidation, detoxification