Abstract Metallic powder, e.g., copper powder, is deposited on a series of disc-shaped cathodes as they turn through an electrolytic solution of the metal. The cathodes, preferably of titanium, are partially immersed in a bath of electrolyte contained in an electrolytic cell tank. Insoluble anodes, preferably of platinized titanium, are disposed in the tank in interleaved arrangement with the cathodes. Powder is continuously deposited on the cathodes and continuously removed by doctor blades, preferably of plastic, mounted adjacent the cathodes above the electrolyte level of the cell. In the production of copper powder, the cell operates at a much higher temperature, current density, and acid concentration-and with a much lower copper ion concentration in the electrolyte-than is typical for the electrodeposition of copper in electrolytic cells.
Inventors
👤 David L Adamson
👤 William M Tuddenham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-05 09:32
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25C; C25C5/00; C25C5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyte in the cell tank is a sulfuric acid solution of copper containing between about 1.2 and about 1.5 percent by weight copper.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein the temperature of the electrolyte is maintained between about 130* and about 150* F.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the electrolyte contains between about 16 and 18 percent by weight sulfuric acid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyte is circuLated from the electrolytic cell, through a leaching step wherein additional metal values are dissolved, and back to the electrolytic cell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein the electrolyte in the cell tank is a sulfuric acid solution controlled to contain between about 1.2 and about 1.5 percent by weight copper and between about 16 and about 18 percent by weight sulfuric acid and is held between about 130* to about 150* F.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the temperature of the electrolyte in the cell tank is maintained at about 140* F.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the rate of rotation of the cathodes is controlled to provide a plating time of about 2 to about 4 minutes.