A CARBON OR GRAPHITE ELECTRODE SUITABLE FOR USE IN AN ELECTRICAL ARC-FURNACE AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

A shaped body or structure of carbon, in particular a carbon electrode, preferably having a largely round cross-section and being provided in its surface with at least one slot extending in a generally longitudinal direction and extending to the inside of the structure. The slot is filled by a refractory filler material that substantially reduces the oxidation of the slot walls during operation of the electrode and which allows for variations of the slot width where a temperature gradient develops within the electrode cross-section because of temperature changes occurring during operation in an electric arc-furnace. The filler material is adapted as to its physical and chemical properties of the electrode material and is anchored within the slot.