Technology for producing ultra-dispersed copper powder

Ultrafine copper powder (UDP) is a highly effective material with unique physical and chemical properties due to its particle size, which is often less than 100 nanometers. This powder has found wide application in various fields of science and technology, including electronics, medical technology and materials with improved mechanical properties. In this article, Cliffton Trading team will consider the main technologies for obtaining ultrafine copper powder, their advantages and features.

Atomization

Atomization is one of the most common technologies for obtaining ultrafine powders, including copper. This process involves spraying molten metal into a gas or liquid medium. Atomization of copper powder can be performed using various methods:

• Air atomization: Molten copper is sprayed into a stream of compressed air, which cools the droplets and forms a powder. This method allows you to obtain powder with a particle size from several micrometers to nanometers. Air atomization is easy to perform and provides a good particle size distribution.
• Water atomization: Molten copper is sprayed into a stream of water. The water quickly cools the droplets, forming a powder with high purity and homogeneity. This method is effective in producing finer particles and provides a high degree of control over particle size.

Electrolysis

The electrolysis method involves the deposition of copper from an electrolyte solution on a cathode. This process produces an ultrafine powder with a high degree of purity. The process includes the following steps:

• Preparation of the electrolytic solution: The solution contains copper salts (e.g. copper sulfate) and is maintained at a certain pH level.
• Precipitation process: When an electric current is applied, copper is deposited on the cathode as a powder. The use of special additives and controlled precipitation conditions allows for the production of particles up to several tens of nanometers in size.
• Purification and drying: The resulting powder is purified from impurities and water, then dried to obtain the final product.

Mechanical Milling

Mechanical milling is a process in which large pieces of copper are mechanically crushed into an ultrafine powder. The main methods of mechanical milling include:

• Ball Milling: In this method, copper is ground using rotating steel balls. The process produces a powder with a high level of dispersion. However, this method can result in some agglomeration of particles.
• Vibratory Milling: Mechanical milling in a vibratory mill produces a powder with a more uniform particle distribution and smaller particle sizes.

Chemical Deposition

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is another technology for producing ultrafine copper powder. This method involves:

• Copper Evaporation: Copper is evaporated in a vacuum chamber at high temperature.
• Substrate Deposition: The evaporated copper vapor is deposited on a substrate where it condenses into powder. Using different gases and deposition conditions allows control over particle size and distribution.

Plasma Spraying

Plasma spraying is a method in which molten copper is atomized using a high-temperature plasma arc. This process produces powder with very fine particle size and high purity. The main steps include:

• Creating a plasma arc: Using an electric arc to achieve high temperatures sufficient to melt the copper.
• Atomization: Molten copper is atomized in a vacuum or controlled atmosphere, allowing the droplets to cool rapidly and produce an ultrafine powder.

Applications

Ultraviolet copper powder has a number of unique properties, such as high reactivity, large surface area, and excellent conductivity. These properties make it ideal for a variety of applications:

• Electronics: Used in the production of highly conductive materials and components for electronic devices.
• Medical: Used in the creation of antimicrobial coatings and medical implants.
• Materials with improved properties: Included in composite materials to improve their strength characteristics.

Conclusion

Technologies for producing ultrafine copper powder offer a variety of methods to achieve the required particle size and characteristics. Atomization, electrolysis, mechanical grinding, chemical precipitation and plasma spraying – all these methods allow you to obtain powder with unique properties that are used in high technology and scientific research. The correct choice of technology and production conditions ensures the production of powder that meets the most stringent requirements and provides optimal results in various fields of application.