Effect of Small Scandium Additions on the Properties of an Aluminum Foil for Oxide-Electrolytic Capacitors

Abstract

The microstructures of a commercial aluminum foil and an aluminum foil alloyed by 0.001 wt % scandium are studied before and after electrochemical etching. The strength properties, the capacitance, and the weldability of the foils subjected to electrochemical etching are investigated. We are the first to show that the alloying of aluminum by such a low amount of scandium affects the microstructure of a foil and is sufficient for increasing the strength properties, the capacitance, and the weldability of the aluminum foil used for capacitors.