ZHENGSHAN TECHNOLOGY

Oxidation on the electrode surface is an undeniable phenomenon in electrochemical reactions and electrode paste sintering processes. Electrode oxidation refers to the process in which an electrode reacts with oxygen under specific conditions to form oxides, resulting in changes in the surface properties of the electrode. This change not only affects the efficiency and stability of electrochemical reactions, but also directly relates to the quality and effectiveness of electrode paste sintering. This article will explore the causes and effects of electrode oxidation, as well as its specific impact on electrode paste sintering.
Reasons for electrode oxidation
There are two main reasons for electrode oxidation: firstly, the instability of the electrode material itself, which easily reacts with oxygen; The second reason is that the oxygen concentration in the electrochemical reaction environment is high, or the electrode is exposed to air during the sintering process. In addition, electrochemical reaction conditions such as current density and electrolyte concentration may also accelerate the oxidation process of the electrode.
The Influence of Electrode Oxidation on Electrode Performance
1. Poor contact
After the electrode surface is oxidized, a non-conductive oxide layer will form on its surface. This layer of oxide will hinder effective contact between the electrode and the workpiece, increase contact resistance, reduce current conductivity, and thus affect the quality of welding or sintering.
2. Decreased quality of welding/sintering points
Due to poor contact, the quality of welded or burnt joints will significantly decrease. The welding point may become unstable or uneven, leading to a decrease in the stability and reliability of the joint. During the electrode paste sintering process, this may result in a loose electrode structure and insufficient strength after sintering.
3. Uneven temperature distribution
The presence of an oxide layer can also increase contact resistance, leading to local heating at welding or sintering points and uneven temperature distribution. During the high-temperature sintering process, this uneven temperature distribution may cause the electrode to overheat, resulting in burn or thermal deformation of the sintering point, further affecting the sintering quality.
4. Bubbles and defects
During the sintering process, oxides may act as a source of gas release, leading to the formation of bubbles or defects within the sintered body. These bubbles and defects will weaken the mechanical strength and conductivity of the electrode, reducing its service life and performance.
5. Accelerate electrode wear
The formation of oxides on the electrode surface also increases the friction between the electrode and the workpiece, accelerating the wear of the electrode. This not only reduces the service life of the electrode, but also increases production costs.
The specific effect of electrode oxidation on electrode paste sintering
During the sintering process of electrode paste, the oxidation on the electrode surface has a direct and significant impact on the sintering quality. Firstly, the presence of an oxide layer can hinder the effective bonding between the electrode paste and the electrode cylinder, affecting the density and strength of the sintered electrode. Secondly, the oxide layer may also serve as a channel for gas release, leading to the formation of bubbles and defects within the sintered body. These defects not only affect the conductivity and mechanical strength of the electrode, but may also reduce its thermal shock resistance and corrosion resistance.
Measures to prevent electrode oxidation
To alleviate the negative impact of electrode oxidation on electrode paste sintering, the following measures can be taken:
Choosing suitable electrode materials: Choosing electrode materials with high stability and good oxidation resistance can effectively reduce the oxidation of electrodes during sintering.
Optimize sintering environment: During the sintering process, try to maintain a low oxygen environment to reduce the erosion of oxygen on the electrode. This can be achieved by sealing the sintering furnace and using inert gas protection.
Control sintering parameters: Reasonably control sintering temperature, heating rate, and holding time to avoid prolonged exposure of electrodes to air at high temperatures, thereby reducing oxidation.
Regularly clean the electrode surface: Before and during sintering, regularly clean the electrode surface to remove oxides and dirt, and maintain the smoothness of the electrode surface.
Adopting pressure sintering technology: Pressure sintering can reduce electrode oxidation to a certain extent, while improving the density and strength of the sintered body.