Best Cathodes for Anodizing

[dancollinsjr]

I have 99.9% pure chemical lead, lead with 5% antimonial and 6063 aluminum on hand. Ignoring the health hazard of the lead, which of these is the best material for cathodes?

[mcaswell]

The lead/antimony mix is the one we use. Gives good results.

[NeoMoses]

why is lead used as a cathode? does it participate in the chemical rxn? Is it a catalyst? Please pardon my ignorance, but I hope to remedy it by asking questions and learning.

[mcaswell]

Because it's cheap and easily provides a large area for current to flow through. It doesn't participate in the reaction.