Fabrication of prototype large scale composite fiber nickel electrodes

An effort is under way to develop the composite nickel graphite fiber electrode technology to full-scale prototype stage. Preliminary studies have indicated that several fabrication routes for the Ni/graphite sintered fiber electrode may be feasible. The first deep cycle life tests on small electrodes fabricated by using a presintered fiber substrate, direct carbonyl nickel coating and chopped Ni plated fiber mat indicate that each has potential for eventual success. In the near term, however, to meet program goals, it has been decided to produce the large compression plaques by the earlier successful method. This consists in compression sintering electroless nickel plated graphite pitch mats in the H₂ atmosphere. To accomplish this most efficiently, a large platen and clamp assembly has been constructed and a high power induction furnace will be employed