Research progress in TiB2 wettable cathode for aluminum reduction

Titanium diboride wettable cathodes are regarded as ideal for aluminum reduction because of their excellent wettability with molten aluminum. The TiB₂ inert wettable cathode materials for aluminum reduction may be divided into three groups: pure TiB₂ ceramic cathode, TiB₂ composite cathode, and TiB₂ coating. This paper briefly describes international research progress on TiB₂ inert wettable cathodes as well as problems faced, and concentrates on the activities of Central South University, Changsha, China, in researching the ambient-temperature solidified TiB₂ cathode coating. At the same time, the results of the coating applied in many aluminum smelters in China are presented, and the pattern of cathode surface of 160 kA cells coated with the ambient-temperature-solidified TiB₂ cathode coating after one year operation is discussed in comparison with the normal cells.