Nanosize powders produced by electro-explosion of wire and their potential applications

Nanosize metal powders have unusual physical, chemical, and metallurgical properties, owing to the large percentage of atoms that are on the surface, and the electro-explosion of wire provides a novel means of nanopowder production. The resulting powders have a high density of crystal defects, further enhancing their internal energy. A variety of metal powders are being produced in kilogram quantities in Russia and in the USA. Principal applications are in microelectronics, e.g. in thick film paste formulations, as additives for propellants and pyrotechnics, for coatings, as sintering aids, and in self-heating synthesis of high temperature alloys and compounds.