Carbon Anode Raw Materials—Where Is the Cutting Edge?

The CPC and CTP raw materials used for anode production are both manufactured from byproducts of other industries which makes the aluminum industry dependent on others for two key raw materials. Despite this, the industry has made steady improvements in anode quality and performance over the last 50 years. Production processes for CPC and CTP have become more sophisticated but changes in feedstock availability for these raw two materials are starting to be felt by the industry. Average CPC quality has changed quite significantly over the last 10 years but the industry has adapted well and this is expected to continue in the future. By contrast, CTP quality has been quite stable over the last 10 years but the impact of declining coal tar production is starting to be felt by the industry. The paper will review current and future challenges for anode producers and where the cutting edge for anode raw materials lies today.