Novel method of low-melting metal micropowders fabrication

A novel method of low-melting metal micropowders fabrication is proposed. Low-melting alloy is dispersed into a polymer matrix under extrusion processing. Then the polymer matrix is dissolved and metal powder is removed from the suspension. Thus low-melting metal micropowder is obtained. The metal particles size distribution was studied, and it was established that narrow size distribution has been achieved. Use of various polymer matrixes allows the control of the particles' shape. SEM images of the powder demonstrate particles of spherical and elongated form obtained under varying polymer matrix viscosity.