Effect of Sintering Temperature on Electrode Consumption

New Cathode Material for Air Plasma Cutting (Report II)

Abstract

This study has been carried out to explain the effect of sintering temperature on life time of cathode for air plasma cutting.
Zr-Y₂O₃, Hf-Y₂O₃ and Ru-Y₂O₃ systems were studied and compared. It was concluded that; in the cases of Zr-Y₂O₃ and Hf-Y₂O₃ electrodes, the sintering temperature was a little effect on the electrode consumption. Also, the erosion resistance during discharge was not improved by adding Y₂O₃.
On the other hand, in Ru-Y₂O₃ electrode, the erosion resistance during discharge was remarkably improved by adding Y₂O₃. Its different property is related to the high density of sintered body which is sintered at comparatively high temperature, 2373 K.