Abstract
The need for high energy efficiency and productivity in modern high-amperage aluminium electrolysis cells gives extreme requirements to the lining materials used in the cells. The sidelining materials need high thermal conductivity, e. g., nitride-bonded silicon carbide blocks have replaced carbon side blocks. They are also thinner to accommodate wider anodes. In addition, the traditional coal tar pitch binder in the ramming paste has been replaced by the so-called eco-friendly and PAH-free binders. At the cathode, the collector bars are currently constructed with copper inserts or even as full copper bars. There is a tendency to use highly graphitised carbon cathode blocks to reduce energy consumption and maintain thermal balance at higher amperages. The high current densities that may result from the high amperages may facilitate the chemical reactions leading to the degradation of lining materials due to the increased activity of sodium. This review paper will attempt to give an overview of the current knowledge about the lining materials and their degradation mechanisms, as reported in the literature.