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Method for producing metallic microparticles

  • US 6,755,886 B2
  • Filed: 04/18/2002
  • Issued: 06/29/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/18/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for converting metallic nanoparticles into larger, spherical metallic particles, comprising the steps of:

  • (a) generating an aerosol of solid metallic precursor nanoparticles entrained in plasma gas, the nanoparticles consisting essentially of metal or oxide coated metal;

    (b) generating a non-oxidizing plasma from plasma gas, the plasma comprising a portion sufficiently hot to melt the solid metallic precursor nanoparticles;

    (c) directing the aerosol into the plasma and allowing the solid precursor metallic nanoparticles to melt, collide, join, and spheroidize to form larger molten, spherical, metallic particles; and

    (d) directing the molten, spherical, metallic microparticles away from the plasma so that they solidify and form larger, metallic, spherical, product particles.

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