Production of Nanoscale Metallic(Al/W) Powders by Electrical Explosion of Wire(EEW)

Metallic (silver and tungsten) nanopowders were produced by the high current electrical explosion of wire (EEW) under Ar atmosphere. Most of particles have a size of <100 nm. Oxygen contents were controlled by the change of explosion energy. The as-prepared EEW W powders were treated by air-passivation process in order to protect the oxidation. The passivated W powders showing spherical shape with size of 30-200 nm had alpha-W and beta-W phases. Size and phase of the as-prepared W nanopowders were dependent of the applied voltage of raw-W wire in the chamber of 1.12 times 10³ torr.