Preparation and oxidation protection of β-CuSCN coatings for fine copper powder

β-CuSCN coatings were prepared on copper particles in an aqueous solution of KSCN by chemical-deposition method. Thermal gravimetric analysts showed that the oxidation resistance of copper powder was improved significantly by this treatment. The treated copper powder is able to be stable below 360 °C in air. SEM and TEM characters indicated that the treated copper particles have core–shell structure. The shell is mainly composed of β-CuSCN and Cu2O whose ratio reduced with increasing the concentration of potassium rhodanate. Further studies demonstrated that the protection of copper against oxidation is due to the presence of β-CuSCN in the coating shell.