What is atomized powdered copper?

The copper powder can be further processed with electrolytic copper. It is a spherical, irregularly-packed, light rose-red powder. It is easily oxidized in humid air. It can also be dissolved in hot sulfuric and nitric acid. Low bulk density. Good formability. Long storage time. Widely used by powder metallurgy and friction products. Also, in electrical carbon products, chemical contact products, diamond products, electrical alloys, electrical alloys, etc. Copper powder is available in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is widely applied in industries such as injection molding and welding materials.

Atomized copper powder manufacturing process

Electrolytic copper plate-smelting-water (gas) atomization-vacuum drying-high temperature oxidation-crushing-reduction-crushing-classification

Smelt

Copper must be melted with impurities under strict control to achieve a powder that is fluid and has a high melting point.

Conductivity.

In an intermediate frequency or electric arc oven, the normal operating temperature is 1150-1200degC. Before the atomization, the smelting step is of paramount importance. Copper smelting is controlled to reduce the density of the powder.

Atomization

The industrial production of copper powder can be divided into two types, namely the gas atomization technique and the water atomization technique. The only difference between the two is the atomizing medium. However, the principle of powder production is the exact same. According to different gas medium, it can also be divided into air and argon. Supersonic Atomization is also used to get finer powder.

In practice, water atomization has proven to have a better effect than gas atomization.

Reduction

The reduction process involves a relatively simple reduction. The temperature ranges from 400 to 600 degrees and the time period is 60 to 120 minutes. During atomization, a part of the oxygen is converted to copper oxide on the surface. The other part penetrates inside the particle. For oxygen to be removed, a high reduction temperature is required. This temperature will cause copper to naturally sinter, which is why it’s necessary to grind large quantities of sintered blocks. This new water mist method eliminates the need for the reduction stage, which saves energy and speeds up the process.

Antioxidant treatment

The surface of the powdered copper can absorb the water vapour in the atmosphere to create a thin water film. A thick film of water is formed on the surface and this prevents oxygen from entering the pores. This results in a low oxygen content and little oxygen infiltration. Copper powder is a poor concentrate as a consequence. The copper powder slowly oxidizes because of the battery effect. After being treated by antioxidants, copper powder’s surface is adsorbent and covered with film. This produces an antioxidation effect, and can prolong the service life. Benzotriazole(BTA), gelatin, and the protein hydrolyzate are all good corrosion inhibitors for water atomized Copper powder.

(aka. Technology Co. Ltd., a global chemical materials supplier and manufacturer with more than 12 years experience in the production of high-quality nanomaterials and chemicals. The Copper powder that we produce is of high purity with a fine particle size. If you need lower, please call us.