Abstract: The solid cathodes built into reduction cells for aluminum production have at least one workface which can be wet by the precipitated metal. The starting materials, which contain titanium, boron and carbon in powder form, are first intimately mixed in such proportions that the sum of the powdered carbon and any carbon extracted from the substrate is in excess with respect to the amount required by the starting materials to form titanium diboride. This mixture is heated under a neutral or reducing atmosphere to 1600.degree.-2200.degree. C. and held for 5-45 min at this temperature. The reaction product containing pores and channels is then heated further, to 2250.degree.-2600.degree. C., and held there for 10-60 min to form a compact titanium diboride/carbon eutectic. Subsequently, the solid cathode is cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: The solid cathodes built into reduction cells for aluminum production have at least one workface which can be wet by the precipitated metal. The starting materials, which contain titanium, boron and carbon in powder form, are first intimately mixed in such proportions that the sum of the powdered carbon and any carbon extracted from the substrate is in excess with respect to the amount required by the starting materials to form titanium diboride. This mixture is heated under a neutral or reducing atmosphere to 1600.degree.-2200.degree. C. and held for 5-45 min at this temperature. The reaction product containing pores and channels is then heated further, to 2250.degree.-2600.degree. C., and held there for 10-60 min to form a compact titanium diboride/carbon eutectic. Subsequently, the solid cathode is cooled to room temperature.