Electric pulse consolidation of tantalum anodes for electrolytic capacitors

The structure of tantalum powders is investigated and the possibility for their application as anodes of electrolytic capacitors is studied. Critical parameters of the electric pulse consolidation (EPC) of powders making it possible to get a homogeneous volume distribution of pores are determined. The effect of the compacting pressure and the density of current through the powder on the porous structure and the specific surface of anodes of capacitor tantalum powders of classes I–IV is ascertained. The specific surface of anodes compacted by EPC is found to be higher by 18–230% than for anodes made by the conventional technology.