In the hydrometallurgical and electrowinning processes of copper smelting, conductivity, corrosion resistance, and stability are the three key factors determining capacity, energy consumption, and quality. Traditional pure copper conductors are prone to corrosion, while pure titanium components have poor conductivity and high energy consumption-but titanium-clad copper (titanium-copper composite rods/plates), with its combined advantages of "conductive inner copper and corrosion-resistant outer titanium," is becoming a core material for cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and green production in modern copper smelters.
I. The Core Role of Titanium-Clad Copper in Copper Smelting
1. Electrolytic Cell Conductive Beam/Busbar (Main Conductor)
● Internal copper core: Maintains high conductivity close to pure copper, reducing cell voltage, heat generation, and saving 15%–30% of electricity.
● Outer pure titanium cladding: Resistant to strong acids and chlorine-containing electrolyte corrosion, protecting the copper core from dissolution and electrolyte contamination.
● Supports titanium anode plates/grids, evenly distributes current, and improves the density and purity of cathode copper.
2. Seed Plate Cell Initial Electrode Conductive Rod (Key Process Component)
● Replaces traditional pure copper rods, completely eliminating interstitial corrosion at the connection between the titanium seed plate and the copper rod.
● More uniform current distribution, solving the "flowering" problem of the initial electrode and improving consistency within the same plate.
● Reduces rust removal and maintenance, shortens the seed plate cycle, and lowers labor costs.
3. Electrowinning/Electrolysis Circuit: Anode connecting rod, conductive joint, busbar
● Long-term stability under high current and strong corrosion environments, no leakage, and no delamination. Composite strength ≥135MPa, resistant to thermal shock and deformation, suitable for continuous production.
II. Advantages compared to traditional materials are obvious:
● Pure copper components: Good conductivity, but corrodes quickly, contaminates the bath solution, has a short lifespan, and requires frequent replacement.
● Pure titanium components: Strong corrosion resistance, but high resistance, high energy consumption, high cost, and severe heat generation.
● Titanium-clad copper composite:
✅ Conductivity ≈ pure copper, low resistance, high efficiency, long-term energy saving.
✅ Corrosion resistance ≈ pure titanium, stable operation in strong acid environments for 5–8 years.
✅ Long lifespan, less maintenance, overall cost reduced by 30%+ compared to pure titanium.
✅ Green and environmentally friendly, no copper ion pollution, improves cathode copper quality.