Methods for the production of fine metal powders from metal compounds

Abstract

Methods for the manufacture of fine metal powders from metal carboxylate compounds such as metal oxalate compounds. The method includes decomposing particulates of the metal oxalate compound by heating to a decomposition temperature in the presence of a dilute hydrogen gas to decompose the metal oxalate compound, and forming a fine metal powder by heating to a higher refining temperature to remove contaminants from the metal powder. The method may include the conversion of a non- oxalate metal compound to a hydrated metal oxalate and the dehydration of the hydrated metal oxalate before decomposition to the metal. The method is applicable to the production of a wide variety of metals, and is particularly applicable to the production of rare earth metals of high purity and fine particle size. 20 26 21 07 13 29 J ul 2 02 6 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 6 2 1 0 7 1 3 2 9 J u l 2 0 2 6

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