Patent ID: 7147678

Claim:
A method of forming an anode for an alkaline cell having an anode cavity therein, comprising the step of: a) forming a wet mixture comprising zinc particles, a binder comprising polyvinylalcohol and a gelling agent, and water; a.1) inserting said wet mixture into a mold cavity; a.2) applying pressure to said wet mixture in said mold cavity thereby compacting said wet mixture within said mold cavity; a.3) ejecting said compacted wet mixture from said mold cavity thereby producing a molded wet mixture having a molded shape, whereupon said molded wet mixture retains its molded shape; b) drying said molded wet mixture to evaporate water therein and thereby producing a dry solid mass comprising said zinc particles, said solid mass retaining its molded shape; c) inserting said solid mass into the anode cavity of an alkaline cell; and d) adding a fluid to the anode cavity whereby said fluid is absorbed by said solid mass, said fluid activates said gelling agent, and thereby forms said anode.