MINIMUM TiB2 CONTENT IN A COMPOSITE CATHODE WETTED WITH ALUMINUM

Abstract

The minimum content of functional component (titanium borideTiB2) in cathodic refractory material that provides wetting with molten aluminum is substantiated. It is established that total cathode wetting with aluminum is observed with some minimum content of TiB2 in a powder composite (16 – 18 vol.%), when according to occurrence theory there is formation of an “infinite cluster”, i.e., a bonded percolation network of titanium boride particles. The volume of wetted composite containing a fixed amount (for example, 1 kg) of TiB2 does not depend on its phase composition and porosity, but is determined by the diboride volume content. A TiB2 content in the range 18 – 20 vol.% should be considered the optimum that creates reliable continuous wetting of a composite surface.