Continuous sodium modification of nearly- eutectic aluminium alloys. Part II. Experimental studiem

One of the possible means of continuous sodium modification of nearly-eutectic alloys may be continuous electrolysis of sodium compounds (salts), taking place directly in metal bath (in the crucible). For this process it is necessary to use a solid electrolyte conducting sodium ions. Under the effect of the applied direct current voltage, sodium salt placed in a retort made from the solid electrolyte undergoes dissociation, and next - electrolysis. The retort is immersed in liquid metal. The anode is sodium salt, at that temperature occurring in liquid state, connected to the direct current source through, e.g. a graphite electrode, while cathode is the liquid metal. Sodium ions formed during the sodium salt dissociation and electrolysis are transported through the wall of the solid electrolyte (the material of the retort) and in contact with liquid alloy acting as a cathode, they are passing into atomic state, modifying the metal bath.