Microstructures of Developed Composite Graphite-Resin Electrodes

Abstract

This paper focuses on the effects of compaction on the microstructure of graphite-resin electrochemical treatment electrodes. This was with a view to understanding the relationships between forming parameters and some performance-limiting structural parameters of the electrode. Graphite resin electrodes were developed from graphite rods reclaimed from primary cells. The rods were crushed to powder of various particle sizes and compressed into the graphite-resin electrodes. The microstructure of the graphite electrode was observed, effects of compaction force and particles sizes distribution on the microstructure of the electrodes were observed. SEM/EDX revealed that there is a lack of homogeneity in the distribution of micro-constituents, with compositional variations differing at the various spots. However, there is a prevalence of carbon and oxygen at almost all the spots. This tends to confirm the even distribution of the elements throughout the material. The pores in the electrodes were noticed to be uniformly sized and permeate throughout the entire structure of the electrode. These pores serve to increase the surface area of these electrodes and promote the adsorption of environmental pollutants.