The quality of anode electrode used in aluminum electrolysis industry and its dependence on the production parameters are studied in this work. Using a calcined petroleum coke and a coal tar pitch, anode pastes were made at laboratory scale at four mixing temperatures and four mixing times. The pastes were compacted in a cylindrical mold at a maximum pressure of 60 MPa. The green samples were then baked at 1130 degrees C for 12 h. Measurement of density variations as well as porosity and pore size distribution was carried out on the green and baked samples as a function of mixing temperature and time. For the setup used, an optimum mixing time and temperature were suggested, resulting in a better mixing effectiveness, maximum density, and minimum air permeability and specific surface area. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.