SYNTHESIS OF ULTRAFINE NICKEL-IRON POWDER BY THE MAGNESIUM REDUCTION IN GAS PHASE
Ultra fine metallic powders have an increasing application in magnetic materials, catalysts and chemical and metallic industries. In this research, magnesium-thermic reduction in gas phase was used to synthesize an ultra-fine nickel-iron intermetallic compound. Synthesis of nickel-iron submicron powder by metal chlorides and magnesium vapors was studied. Evaporation rate of the chlorides and magnesium in the range of 800 to 920 degrees Celsius was measured in order to control the composition of the resulting compound. The simultaneous reduction of the chlorides was done in a tubular furnace under argon atmosphere at 920 degrees Celsius. Chemical analysis of the resulting compound and the X ray diffraction analysis identified the formation of Ni 3 Fe compound. The particle size of the compound was measured 60 to 230 nano-meters by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the particles were spherical and homogeneous. The product may be used for production of magnetic and catalytic applications.