Perspective nickel-oxide cathodes technologies for centimetric range microwave devices

Three technologies of nickel-oxide cathodes based on nickel powder and on barium-calciumstrontium triple carbonate powder for microwave ovens of the centimetric wave length range devices are suggested. The optimum fraction of nickel powder for the production of cathodes is 45-71 microns. The optimum content of the triple carbonate is 10%. The optimum pressure of pressing is 7 t/cm2. The optimum temperature of agglomeration is 1100°C for 10 min. The quality improvement and yield of suitable cathodes are provided by the use of agglomerates of nickel and triple carbonates. The agglomerates contain nickel particles of the 10-25 microns fraction coated with the triple carbonate containing 50% of the carbonate and baked in dried hydrogen at 1000°C for 10 min. The formation of the cathode is carried out by mixing and agglomerating the 45-63 microns fraction and the nickel 45-71 microns fraction with the carbonates concentration 10%. In order to improve the cathodes quality it is expedient to anneal the agglomerates after their production in carbon dioxide at 200-300°C with a final purge by nitrogen at 1000°C for 10 minutes. The use of agglomerates based on nickel and the triple carbonate for the production of oxide-nickel cathodes provides more uniform distribution of the emission-active agent in the volume and on the surface of the cathodes.