Electrode for an electrostatic atomizing device

This invention relates to the fabrication of an improved electrode for an electrostatic atomizing device. The electrode consists of metal oxide-metal composite fragments dispersed and bonded in a metallic matrix. The composite fragments contain submicron metallic fibers uniformally arrayed in a nonconducting (insulating) matrix. The electrostatic atomizing device includes a cell having a chamber disposed therein, a discharge spray means in communication with the cell, at least two electrodes disposed in the chamber and being in liquid contact with the liquid in the chamber, the liquid in the chamber being transported to the discharge spray means and atomized into droplets, and a mechanism for generating by means of the electrodes, a charge through the liquid within the chamber, wherein the charge enamating from the improved electrode is sufficient to generate free excess charge in the liquid within the chamber, and the liquid is atomized into droplets.