What is atomized powdered copper?
Atomized Copper Powder is further treated by electrolytic copper. It is a spherical or cylindrical powder that is irregularly shaped, rose red, and dendritic. It is easily oxidized in humid air. It can also be dissolved in hot sulfuric and nitric acids. Low bulk density. Good formability. Long storage time. Uses include powder metallurgy and friction materials. Copper powder in spherical or spherical form has a very high bulk density. 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 electric arc heater or intermediate frequency 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 that they use different atomizing agents, although the principle of powder production is the exact same. Depending on the gas medium, air atomization or argon can be used. 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 is relatively easy. The temperature ranges from 400 to 600 degrees and the time period is between 60 and 120 minutes. During atomization, some oxygen is oxidized and penetrates inside the particles. The other part turns into copper oxide. For oxygen to be removed, a high reduction temperature is required. This temperature will cause copper to naturally sinter, requiring the grinding of large 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 water vapour in the atmosphere to form a thin water film. The thick film of water that is formed on the surface particles prevents oxygen from entering the space between the particles. This results in a low oxygen concentration 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 anti-oxidation and can prolong the service life. Benzotriazole(BTA), gelatin, and the protein hydrolyzate are all good corrosion inhibitors for water atomized Copper powder.
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