Introduction
Cathode Mud, also known as Cathode Slurry, is a kind of material made of manganese oxide and fired clay. It is used to form the cathode plate of alkaline batteries. It has been used in various types of batteries such as dry cell and alkaline button cells. Cathode Mud provides good mechanical and electrical properties that are required to form the deposits on the negative plate of the battery.
History of Cathode Mud
Cathode Mud was invented by Thomas Edison in the early 1890s while developing the positive plates for his nickel-iron batteries. He attempted to make the plates out of molten lead, but the process was too slow and expensive. Edison experimented with mixing manganese oxide, barium carbonate and clay together and firing it at temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius. The resulting product had a higher electrical resistance and better mechanical properties than plain lead, and Edison continued to experiment with different recipes for his batteries.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process for Cathode Mud begins with the selection of manganese ore and clay. The ore is mined, purified and milled before being mixed into a slurry with water and clay. The mixture is then dried and fired at temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius in a kiln or furnace. The firing process removes any impurities and creates the desired electrical and mechanical properties. After cooling, the resulting Cathode Mud is ready to be formed into the cathode plates of batteries.
Properties
Cathode Mud has a low electrical resistance, good ductility and a low cost of production. The firing process also gives it good compressive strength and flexibility, which helps to ensure that the cathode plates of the battery are able to withstand the stresses of charging and discharging. Additionally, the firing process removes any impurities from the manganese ore, making the resulting Cathode Mud of consistent quality and performance.
Application
Cathode Mud is mainly used in alkaline batteries, such as AAA and AA dry cells, as well as alkaline button cells. The material is formed into the negative plate of the battery and combined with the positive plate to form the complete battery cell. Cathode Mud is also used in other applications such as cathodic protection and electroplating.
Conclusion
Cathode Mud is an important material used in the production of alkaline batteries. It is primarily made of manganese oxide, clay and other materials, and is fired at temperatures over 1000 degrees Celsius to remove impurities and create the desired electrical and mechanical properties. The low cost and consistent quality of Cathode Mud make it attractive for many applications, including the production of batteries and electroplating.