Inco Limited

Tekna Plasma Systems Inc.

Richard S Adams

Maher I Boulos

Jerzy W Jurewicz

Victor A Ettel

Juraj Babjak

Dirk Naumann

Jiayin Guo

John Ambrose

Lloyd Matt Timberg

Eric Bain Wasmund

Vladimir Paserin

Armen Markarian

Rinaldo A Stefan

Vladimiri Paserin

A process for synthesizing metal nanopowders by introducing metal carbonyl into an induction plasma torch. By taking advantage of the much lower dissolution temperature of carbonyl as opposed to the high melting temperature of conventional metal powder feeds less torch power is required. Moreover, in contrast to current powder production techniques utilizing electrode based plasma torches, the induction plasma torch does not introduce contaminants into the nanopowder.

Method producing metal nanopowders by decompositon of metal carbonyl using an induction plasma torch

A continuous method of manufacturing a liquid dispersion containing submicron metal or metal compound particles inside a liquid bath. A metal-containing fluid with carrier gas mixture is bubbled through the liquid bath and predetermined conditions in the bath cause the fluid to decompose to form the submicron sized metal or metal compound particles in the liquid.

Decomposition method for producing submicron particles in a liquid bath

The invention provides an apparatus for metal plating a substrate. The apparatus includes a chamber adapted to receive metal carbonyl gas. The chamber includes an infrared transparent window. The infrared transparent window has a cooling passage filled with liquid coolant. The liquid coolant has a temperature below which decomposition of the metal carbonyl gas occurs. The liquid coolant prevents decomposition of the metal carbonyl gas on the infrared transparent window. The liquid coolant also is substantially infrared transparent for allowing infrared radiation through the infrared transparent window and cooling passage into the chamber. An infrared radiation source sends infrared radiation into the chamber through the infrared transparent window and cooling passage to heat the substrate to a temperature at which decomposition of the metal carbonyl gas occurs.

Infrared window

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Burlington, Canada

Richard S Adams