What happens during electrolytic capacitor overvoltage?

[ontoaba]

If one forms an Al electrolytic capacitor with at reasonable constant current, I think it should just continue to form even above its rated voltage, so long as breakdown is avoided - shouldn't it ? At some point, the capacitor will break down, of course. I'm not advocating, BTW, just a thought experiment.

you will shorten its life. normally electrolyt cap will release very small hydrogen gass overtime. thats mean having an electrolyt cap under its voltage rate make it less gassing, and over voltage make it more gass released. some cap have healing ability anyway.
it is up to you, since the lifespan of good cap will be decades.

 

[ontoaba]

True, it is an electrochemical reaction - usually known as electrolysis which is why the cap is called an electrolytic. This attempts to thicken the oxide layer but if it cannot do this sufficiently then gas is formed instead.

yes it is, i mean there is no bomb like reaction. ppl just see it as a bomb you know?