Aluminum-containing particles

Abstract

Provided is an aluminum-containing particle having improved flowability. [Solution] Aluminum-containing particles comprising aluminum-containing particles (A) having no satellite particles and aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles, wherein the aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles comprise aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less, the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles being 26% or more, and the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less being 60% or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to aluminum-containing particles.

Background Art

[0002] As a technology related to aluminum-containing particles, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes particles containing an aluminum alloy, which are substantially spherical in the state of primary particles and have a mixed phase of a phase represented by M x Al y and a phase represented by M z Al w where M is a metal other than Al, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, 0 < w < 1, x / y ≥ 1, z / w < 1, x + y = 1, z + w = 1, and the aluminum content is in the range of 8% to 50% by mass. According to the particles described in Patent Document 1, it is described that particles having a mixed phase of two types of aluminum alloys can be provided in the form of primary particles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides aluminum-containing particles with improved fluidity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, the following aluminum-containing particles are provided.

[0007] [1] Aluminum-containing particles (A) having no satellite particles; and (B) aluminum-containing particles having satellite particles, The aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles include aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less, the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles is 26% or more, as calculated by the following <Method 1>, Aluminum-containing particles, in which the content of aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less, calculated by the following <Method 2>, is 60% or less. <Method 1> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles. <Method 2> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less. [2] The aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles further include aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more, The aluminum-containing particles according to [1] above, wherein the content of aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more, calculated by the following <Method 3>, is 25% or less. <Method 3> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more. [3] The aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles further include aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm, The aluminum-containing particles according to [1] or [2], wherein the content of aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm, calculated by the following <Method 4>, is 25% or less. <Method 4> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm. [4] The aluminum-containing particles according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles, calculated by the above <Method 1>, is 90% or less. [5] D calculated by the following <particle size measurement> 50 The aluminum-containing particles according to any one of the above [1] to [4], having a particle diameter of 30.0 μm or more and 60.0 μm or less. <Particle size measurement> 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles were mixed with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, and the mixture was dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds to obtain a measurement sample. The volume-based particle size distribution of the aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size measurement device, and D 10 Particle size, D 50 Particle size and D 90The particle size values ​​are obtained respectively. [6] D calculated by the following <particle size measurement> 10 The aluminum-containing particles according to any one of the above [1] to [5], having a particle diameter of 20.0 μm or more and 40.0 μm or less. <Particle size measurement> 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles were mixed with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, and the mixture was dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds to obtain a measurement sample. The volume-based particle size distribution of the aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size measurement device, and D 10 Particle size, D 50 Particle size and D 90 The particle size values ​​are obtained respectively. [7] D calculated by the following <particle size measurement> 90 The aluminum-containing particles according to any one of the above [1] to [6], having a particle diameter of 50.0 μm or more and 100.0 μm or less. <Particle size measurement> 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles were mixed with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, and the mixture was dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds to obtain a measurement sample. The volume-based particle size distribution of the aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size measurement device, and D 10 Particle size, D 50 Particle size and D 90 The particle size values ​​are obtained respectively. [8] The aluminum-containing particle according to any one of the above [1] to [7], which has a sphericity of 0.8 or more. [9] The aluminum-containing particles according to any one of [1] to [8] above, which have an angle of repose according to an injection method of 50.0° or less.

[10] The aluminum-containing particle according to any one of [1] to [9] above, having a fluidity of 15.0 sec / 50 g or less in a Hall Flow test in accordance with JIS Z2502:2020.

[11] The aluminum-containing particles according to any one of the above [1] to

[10] , wherein the aluminum-containing particles include at least one selected from the group consisting of pure aluminum particles and aluminum-based alloy particles.

[12] The aluminum-containing particle according to

[11] , wherein the aluminum-based alloy particle contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mn, Si, Mg, Zn, and Ni.

[13] The aluminum-containing particle according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the aluminum-based alloy particle comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an Al-Si based alloy, an Al-Cu based alloy, an Al-Mn based alloy, an Al-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Cu based alloy, an Al-Zn-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Mg-Cu based alloy, an Al-Cu-Ni-Mg based alloy, and an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu based alloy.

[14] The aluminum-containing particles according to any one of the above

[11] to

[13] , wherein the aluminum-based alloy particles contain at least one selected from the group consisting of AlSi10Mg and AlSi12.

[15] The aluminum-containing particle according to any one of [1] to

[14] above, which can be used as a raw material powder for a 3D printer model. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide aluminum-containing particles having improved fluidity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of a cross section of an aluminum-containing particle (B) having satellite particles. [Diagram 2] 1 is a SEM image of an aluminum-containing particle for explaining a method for determining each particle. [Diagram 3] 1 is a SEM image of an aluminum-containing particle for explaining a method for determining each particle. [Figure 4] 1 is a SEM image of an aluminum-containing particle for explaining a method for determining each particle. [Diagram 5] 1 is a SEM image of an aluminum-containing particle for explaining a method for determining each particle. [Figure 6] 1 is a SEM image of an aluminum-containing particle of Example 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram with reference numbers added to FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a SEM image of an aluminum-containing particle of Example 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram with reference numbers added to FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a SEM image of an aluminum-containing particle of Example 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram with reference numbers added to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are simplified and do not correspond to the actual dimensional ratio. Numerical ranges "A to B" indicate A or more and B or less unless otherwise specified. In this specification, "aluminum-containing particles (A) having no satellite particles" may be abbreviated as "particles (A)". Similarly, "aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles" may also be abbreviated.

[0011] [Aluminum-containing particles] The aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment include aluminum-containing particles (A) that have no satellite particles and aluminum-containing particles (B) that have satellite particles, and the aluminum-containing particles (B) that have satellite particles include aluminum-containing particles (B1) that have satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less, the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B) that have satellite particles is 26% or more, and the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B1) that have satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less is 60% or less.

[0012] The aluminum-containing particles are used, for example, as raw material powder for objects made by 3D printers, solder paste powder, etc. There is a demand for raw material powders for 3D printer models that can improve the mechanical strength and modeling precision of the resulting models.

[0013] The present inventors have found that when the fluidity of the powder decreases, the powder does not become dense during modeling using a 3D printer, and there is a concern that the mechanical strength of the resulting model may decrease. The present inventors have also found that when the fluidity of the powder decreases, there is a concern that the modeling accuracy may decrease due to the occurrence of defects inside the resulting model and the manifestation of unevenness on the surface of the resulting model. That is, the inventors considered that by improving the fluidity of the powder, it is possible to improve the mechanical strength and molding accuracy of the molded object.

[0014] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to obtain aluminum-containing particles with improved fluidity. As a result, the present inventors have found that in aluminum-containing particles including aluminum-containing particles (A) having no satellite particles and aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles, the fluidity of the aluminum-containing particles is improved by setting the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles and the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less to a specific numerical range. That is, the present invention has found that the scale of the content of the particles (B) and the content of the particles (B1) is effective as a design index for improving the fluidity of the aluminum-containing particles. That is, the aluminum-containing particles of the present invention have improved fluidity. More specifically, the aluminum-containing particles of the present invention have improved dynamic fluidity. Furthermore, the aluminum-containing particles of the present invention can improve the mechanical strength and modeling accuracy of objects produced by 3D printers.

[0015] The aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment include aluminum-containing particles (A) that do not have satellite particles. The content of particles (A) is preferably 10% or more and 74% or less, more preferably 20% or more and 72% or less, even more preferably 30% or more and 70% or less, even more preferably 40% or more and 69% or less, and even more preferably 44% or more and 68% or less. The content of particles (A) means a value calculated by <Method 5>.

[0016] <Method 5> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of particles (A) to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of particles (A).

[0017] The aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment include aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section of an aluminum-containing particle (B) having satellite particles. Particle (B) 100 refers to a particle in which satellite particles 20 are attached to a main particle 10. Here, in this specification, the main particle 10 refers to the particle having the largest particle diameter contained in particle (B), and particles other than the main particle 10 contained in particle (B) are referred to as satellite particles 20. It should be noted that particle (A) can also be said to be a particle consisting only of main particles 10. The particles (B) may contain a plurality of satellite particles.

[0018] The content of the particles (B) is 26% or more. The content of particles (B) is preferably 26% or more and 90% or less, more preferably 28% or more and 80% or less, even more preferably 30% or more and 70% or less, even more preferably 31% or more and 60% or less, and even more preferably 32% or more and 56% or less. The content of particles (B) means the value calculated by <Method 1>.

[0019] <Method 1> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of particles (B) to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of particles (B).

[0020] The content of particles (B) can be adjusted to a desired value, for example, by adjusting the production conditions when producing aluminum-containing particles by a disk atomization method, specifically, by adjusting the rotation speed of the rotating disk; by adjusting the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere; etc.

[0021] The aluminum particles of this embodiment include aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less. The particle (B1) is sufficient as long as the particle diameter of the satellite particles 20 is 5.0 μm or less, and the particle diameter of the main particles 10 is not particularly limited. The particle diameter of the satellite particles 20 of the particles (B1) is, for example, 1.0 μm or more.

[0022] The content of the particles (B1) is 60% or less. The content of particles (B1) is preferably from 5% to 55%, more preferably from 10% to 50%, and further preferably from 12% to 45%. The content of particles (B1) means a value calculated by <Method 2>.

[0023] <Method 2> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of particles (B1) to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of particles (B1).

[0024] The content of particles (B1) can be adjusted to a desired value, for example, by adjusting the production conditions when producing aluminum-containing particles by a disk atomization method, specifically, by adjusting the rotation speed of a rotating disk; by adjusting the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere; or the like.

[0025] The aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment preferably further contain aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more. The particle (B2) may be such that the particle diameter of the satellite particles 20 is 10.0 μm or more, and the particle diameter of the main particles 10 is not particularly limited. The particle diameter of the satellite particles 20 of the particles (B2) may be, for example, 50.0 μm or less, or 30.0 μm or less.

[0026] The content of particles (B2) is preferably from 1% to 25%, more preferably from 3% to 20%, and further preferably from 5% to 15%. The content of particles (B2) means a value calculated by <Method 3>.

[0027] <Method 3> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of particles (B2) to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of particles (B2).

[0028] The aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment preferably further include aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm. The particle (B3) may have a particle diameter of the satellite particles 20 that is greater than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm, and the particle diameter of the main particles 10 is not particularly limited.

[0029] The content of particles (B3) is preferably from 1% to 25%, more preferably from 2% to 23%, and further preferably from 3% to 20%. The content of particles (B3) means a value calculated by <Method 4>.

[0030] <Method 4> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of particles (B3) to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of particles (B3).

[0031] Hereinafter, the methods of observing aluminum-containing particles using a scanning electron microscope in <Method 1> to <Method 5> will be specifically described.

[0032] First, a method for preparing a sample for observation using a scanning electron microscope will be described. The observation sample is a sample in which 100 or more aluminum-containing particles are dispersed so as not to overlap one another. The method for preparing the observation sample is not particularly limited, but for example, the observation sample can be prepared by placing a double-sided tape on the surface of a pedestal, dropping aluminum-containing particles onto the exposed surface of the double-sided tape, and removing excess aluminum-containing particles with air or the like.

[0033] Next, the observation sample is imaged by a scanning electron microscope to obtain an SEM image. At this time, for one level, for example, 20 or more SEM images are obtained while shifting the imaging position. The magnification is not particularly limited as long as the satellite particles can be confirmed, but is, for example, 500 times. As the scanning electron microscope, for example, SU8200 (manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation) can be used.

[0034] Hereinafter, the method of determining the particles (A), (B), and (B1) to (B3) will be specifically described.

[0035] 2 to 5 are SEM images of aluminum-containing particles for explaining a method for determining each particle.

[0036] First, 100 or more aluminum-containing particles are observed using the obtained SEM image, and it is visually determined whether or not the aluminum-containing particles contain satellite particles. Aluminum-containing particles that do not contain satellite particles and can be clearly determined to consist of a single particle are designated as aluminum-containing particles without satellite particles (A). Aluminum-containing particles that can be clearly determined to contain satellite particles are designated as aluminum-containing particles with satellite particles (B).

[0037] Here, the aluminum-containing particles in Figs. 2 and 3 are particles in which a coating 30 is attached to at least a part of a main particle 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as "coated particles"). Even in the case of such coated particles, aluminum-containing particles that can be clearly determined to have satellite particles 20, as in Fig. 2, are judged to be aluminum-containing particles (B) that have satellite particles. On the other hand, particles in which satellite particles 20 cannot be confirmed, as in Fig. 3, are judged to be aluminum-containing particles (A) that do not have satellite particles.

[0038] In the SEM image, only a part of the aluminum-containing particle is imaged, and the aluminum-containing particle whose entirety cannot be grasped is not observed because it is not possible to clearly determine whether or not there are satellite particles. Specifically, the aluminum-containing particle whose only a part is imaged is the particle designated by the symbol C in the examples.

[0039] Further, the observation sample is prepared by dispersing the aluminum-containing particles so that they do not overlap with one another, but there are cases where it is unavoidable that some of the aluminum-containing particles overlap with one another. Fig. 4 is an SEM image in which parts of the outermost surfaces of aluminum-containing particles overlap each other. As in Fig. 4, when the entirety of each aluminum-containing particle can be grasped and the presence or absence of satellite particles can be determined, each aluminum-containing particle may be observed. In Fig. 4, it is determined that there is one aluminum-containing particle (A) that does not have satellite particles and one aluminum-containing particle (B) that has satellite particles. In addition, even when most of the aluminum-containing particles overlap each other and each aluminum-containing particle cannot be grasped as a whole, they are still observed, and the group of particles is determined to be aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles. In addition, in the calculation of the particle size of the satellite particles described later, the particle that can be determined to have the largest particle size in the group of particles in the SEM image is treated as the main particle, and the other particles are treated as satellite particles.

[0040] Next, the particle diameter of the satellite particles of the particles determined to be aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles is measured, and the particles are classified as aluminum-containing particles having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less (B1), aluminum-containing particles having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more (B2), and aluminum-containing particles having satellite particles with a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm (B3). The particle size of the satellite particles means the major axis diameter of the satellite particles. The particle size of the satellite particles can be measured using, for example, image analysis software, such as ImageJ.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, an aluminum-containing particle (B) having satellite particles may have a main particle 10 to which a plurality of satellite particles 20 are attached. In the case of particles as shown in Fig. 5, the particle diameter of the largest satellite particle is used to determine whether the particle is one of particle (B1) to particle (B3). For example, an aluminum-containing particle having a satellite particle with a particle diameter of 12.0 µm and another satellite particle with a particle diameter of 2.5 µm is determined to be an aluminum-containing particle (B2) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 10.0 µm or more, not an aluminum-containing particle (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 µm or less.

[0042] Here, particles (B) can be classified into any one of particles (B1) to (B3). Therefore, the number of particles (B) is equal to the total number of particles (B1) to (B3). However, the content of particles (B) may not be equal to the total content of particles (B1) to (B3) due to significant figures.

[0043] D of the aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment 50 The particle size is preferably 30.0 μm or more and 60.0 μm or less, more preferably 32.0 μm or more and 55.0 μm or less, and further preferably 35.0 μm or more and 53.0 μm or less.

[0044] D of the aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment 10 The particle size is preferably 20.0 μm or more and 40.0 μm or less, more preferably 22.0 μm or more and 38.0 μm or less, and further preferably 25.0 μm or more and 36.0 μm or less.

[0045] D of the aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment 90 The particle size is preferably 50.0 μm or more and 100.0 μm or less, more preferably 52.0 μm or more and 95.0 μm or less, even more preferably 55.0 μm or more and 90.0 μm or less, and even more preferably 56.0 μm or more and 85.0 μm or less.

[0046] Here, D of aluminum-containing particles 10 Particle size, D 50 Particle size and D 90 The particle size refers to a value calculated by <Particle Size Measurement> described below.

[0047] <Particle size measurement> 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles were mixed with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, and dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds to obtain a measurement sample. The volume-based particle size distribution of the aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size measurement device, and the D 10 Particle size, D 50 Particle size and D 90 The particle size values ​​are obtained respectively. Here, as the surfactant with a concentration of 1.3%, for example, an aqueous solution obtained by diluting the original solution of Fresh Green Apple with Fruit Acid (manufactured by Rocket Soap Co., Ltd.) by 11 times can be used. In addition, the surfactant is, for example, linear alkylbenzenesulfonate sodium.

[0048] The sphericity of the aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment is preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 0.85 or more, and even more preferably 0.9 or more. The sphericity of an aluminum-containing particle means a value calculated by image analysis of an image obtained by a scanning electron microscope, and specifically means a value calculated by measuring the short axis length and long axis length of an aluminum-containing particle, determining the sphericity of a single aluminum-containing particle using the formula sphericity = short axis length / long axis length, and then arithmetically averaging the sphericities of 100 or more aluminum-containing particles.

[0049] The angle of repose of the aluminum-containing particles according to the present embodiment by the injection method is preferably 50.0° or less, more preferably 45.0° or less, and even more preferably 40.0° or less, from the viewpoint of further improving fluidity, and the lower limit is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 25.0° or more, or 30.0° or more. Also, the angle of repose of the aluminum-containing particles according to the present embodiment by the injection method is preferably 25.0° or more and 50.0° or less, more preferably 25.0° or more and 45.0° or less, and even more preferably 30.0° or more and 40.0° or less, from the viewpoint of further improving fluidity. Here, the angle of repose of the aluminum-containing particles by the injection method means an angle between the horizontal plane and the generatrix of a cone obtained by dropping and depositing the aluminum-containing particles on a horizontal plane under an environment of 18 to 23°C and 20 to 50% RH, and averaging the angles between the generatrix of the left and right cones and the horizontal plane. Specifically, the angle of repose of the aluminum-containing particles by the injection method can be obtained by depositing the aluminum-containing particles on a horizontal plane at a constant speed (2g / sec) through a funnel (discharge hole diameter 8mm) and measuring the angle between the deposited powder and the horizontal plane. The distance from the discharge hole of the funnel to the horizontal plane is, for example, 45mm. The angle of repose of the aluminum-containing particles when injected can be measured, for example, by taking a photograph of the deposited powder from a horizontal angle and using image processing software (for example, Paint.NET).

[0050] From the viewpoint of further improving the fluidity, the fluidity of the aluminum-containing particles of this embodiment as measured in a hole flow test in accordance with JIS Z2502:2020 is preferably 15.0 sec / 50 g or less, more preferably 13.0 sec / 50 g or less, and even more preferably 12.0 sec / 50 g or less. The lower limit is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 5.0 sec / 50 g or more, or 7.0 sec / 50 g or more. The fluidity of aluminum-containing particles as determined by a Hall flow test means the time it takes for 50 g of aluminum-containing particles to flow through an orifice of a calibrated funnel of specified dimensions, as measured in accordance with JIS Z2502:2020. In this specification, the fluidity of the aluminum-containing particles by the Hall Flow test can be determined by measuring the flow time of the aluminum-containing particles twice and averaging the two measured values. In addition, when one of the two measurements is obtained and the other is not obtained, the fluidity of the aluminum-containing particles by the Hall Flow test can be the obtained measured value.

[0051] The aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment are not particularly limited as long as they contain aluminum (Al) element, but preferably contain at least one type selected from the group consisting of pure aluminum particles and aluminum-based alloy particles, and more preferably contain aluminum-based alloy particles. Here, the pure aluminum particles refer to particles made of aluminum with a purity of 99.00% or more (so-called 1000 series aluminum), and the aluminum alloy particles refer to an aluminum alloy containing Al as a main component.

[0052] The aluminum-based alloy particles of the present embodiment preferably contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mn, Si, Mg, Zn, and Ni, and more preferably contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si and Mg. When the aluminum-based alloy particles of this embodiment contain Si, the Si content in the aluminum-based alloy particles is preferably 7.00 mass% or more and 15.00 mass% or less, more preferably 8.00 mass% or more and 14.00 mass% or less, and even more preferably 9.00 mass% or more and 11.00 mass% or less, when the aluminum-based alloy particles are 100.00 mass%. When the aluminum-based alloy particles of this embodiment contain Mg, the Mg content in the aluminum-based alloy particles is preferably 0.10 mass% or more and 0.60 mass% or less, and more preferably 0.20 mass% or more and 0.45 mass% or less, when the aluminum-based alloy particles are taken as 100.00 mass%. The contents of the other elements are not particularly limited and may be set to appropriate amounts. The content of each element can be determined by, for example, elemental analysis using solid-state emission spectrometry.

[0053] The aluminum alloy particles of the present embodiment preferably contain at least one selected from the group consisting of an Al-Si based alloy, an Al-Cu based alloy, an Al-Mn based alloy, an Al-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Cu based alloy, an Al-Zn-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Mg-Cu based alloy, an Al-Cu-Ni-Mg based alloy, and an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu based alloy, and more preferably contain at least one selected from the group consisting of an Al-Si based alloy and an Al-Si-Mg based alloy.

[0054] The composition of the aluminum-based alloy particles of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be any composition selected from the group consisting of, for example, aluminum alloys for rolling, aluminum alloys for casting, and aluminum alloys for die casting, but is preferably an aluminum alloy composition for casting. The composition of the aluminum alloy for casting is, for example, the composition specified in JIS H2211:2010.

[0055] The aluminum-based alloy particles of the present embodiment preferably contain at least one selected from the group consisting of AlSi10Mg and AlSi12, and more preferably contain AlSi10Mg. Here, AlSi10Mg and AlSi12 refer to alloys that satisfy the composition specified in JIS H2211:2010.

[0056] [Uses of aluminum-containing particles] The use of the aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment is not particularly limited. The aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment are aluminum-containing particles that can be used for at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, raw material powders for 3D printer objects and soldering paste powders, and are preferably aluminum-containing particles that can be used for aluminum-containing particles.

[0057] [Method of manufacturing aluminum-containing particles] A preferred embodiment of the method for producing aluminum-containing particles according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0058] The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment preferably includes a step (A) of obtaining aluminum-containing particles (a) by disk atomization, and a step (B) of classifying the aluminum-containing particles (a) to obtain aluminum-containing particles (b). The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment may further include a step (C) of classifying the aluminum-containing particles (b) after the step (B).

[0059] Hereinafter, each step in the method for producing aluminum-containing particles according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0060] <Molten metal preparation process> The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment preferably includes, prior to step (A), a step of preparing a molten metal that is a raw material for the aluminum-containing particles.

[0061] The method for preparing the molten metal is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a method in which an aluminum alloy ingot is placed in a primary furnace and heated; a method in which an aluminum ingot and each element are placed in a primary furnace and heated so as to obtain the desired composition of aluminum-containing particles; and the like. The molten metal in this embodiment may contain flux. Fluxes include, for example, chlorine compounds (NaCl·KCl) and fluorine compounds (NaF·Na 2 SiF 6 ) and a mixed salt of the above may be used. The content of the flux in the molten metal in this embodiment may be, for example, 0.1 parts by mass or more and 1 part by mass or less, or 0.2 parts by mass or more and 0.3 parts by mass or less, when the aluminum alloy ingot (or the total of the aluminum ingot and each element) is taken as 100 parts by mass.

[0062] The heating temperature when preparing the molten metal is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately adjusted taking into consideration the melting point of aluminum or the melting point of the aluminum-based alloy (or the melting point of the aluminum-based alloy derived from the composition of the target aluminum-containing particles). When the aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment contain AlSi10Mg, the heating temperature is preferably 700° C. or more and 900° C. or less, more preferably 800° C. or more and 850° C. or less.

[0063] The molten metal obtained in the primary furnace may be transferred to a secondary furnace and held in the secondary furnace. The temperature at which the molten metal is maintained is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately adjusted taking into consideration the melting point of aluminum or the melting point of the aluminum-based alloy (or the melting point of the aluminum-based alloy derived from the composition of the target aluminum-containing particles). When the aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment contain AlSi10Mg, the holding temperature is preferably 600°C or more and 900°C or less, more preferably 650°C or more and 800°C or less.

[0064] The primary furnace and the secondary furnace are not particularly limited as long as they are melting furnaces that can be used to produce molten metal, and for example, electric furnaces, high-frequency induction furnaces, etc. can be used.

[0065] <Process (A)> The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment preferably includes a step (A) of obtaining aluminum-containing particles (a) by disk atomization.

[0066] In step (A), the diameter of the rotating disk is not particularly limited, but is preferably φ30 mm or more and φ40 mm or less. In step (A), the rotation speed of the rotating disk is preferably 70,000 rpm or more and 90,000 rpm or less, more preferably 75,000 rpm or more and 88,000 rpm or less, and even more preferably 78,000 rpm or more and 85,000 rpm or less, from the viewpoint of adjusting the content of particles (B) and particles (B1) within an appropriate range.

[0067] In step (A), the rate of tapping of the molten metal is preferably 25 kg / h or more and 55 kg / h or less, more preferably 30 kg / h or more and 50 kg / h or less. When the amount of the molten metal tapped is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the production amount per unit time can be improved. When the amount of the molten metal tapped is equal to or less than the upper limit, the proportion of coarse particles in the aluminum-containing particles (a) can be reduced, thereby improving the classification yield. The amount of molten metal discharged can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the size of the nozzle diameter of the secondary furnace.

[0068] The oxygen concentration in the atmosphere in step (A) is preferably 1500 ppm or less, more preferably 1000 ppm or less, even more preferably 400 ppm or less, even more preferably 100 ppm or less, and even more preferably 30 ppm or less, from the viewpoint of adjusting the content of particles (B) and particles (B1) within an appropriate range.

[0069] The type of disk atomizer used in step (A) is not particularly limited, but for example, a spherical powder manufacturing device (manufactured by Minerva Machinery Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0070] <Process (B)> The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment preferably includes a step (B) of classifying the aluminum-containing particles (a) to obtain aluminum-containing particles (b). Step (B) is a step carried out after step (A). An optional step may be provided between step (A) and step (B).

[0071] Step (B) is preferably a step of removing coarse particles from the aluminum-containing particles (a) to obtain the aluminum-containing particles (b), and more specifically, preferably a step of sieving the aluminum-containing particles (a) using a sieve and recovering the aluminum-containing particles (a) that have passed through the sieve to obtain the aluminum-containing particles (b). Here, the opening diameter of the sieve is, for example, 200 μm or more and 300 μm or less, and preferably 250 μm.

[0072] The classifier used in step (B) is not particularly limited, but for example, a vibrating sieve equipped with an ultrasonic oscillator (manufactured by Koei Sangyo Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0073] <Stirring process> The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment preferably includes a step of stirring the aluminum-containing particles (b) between step (B) and step (C).

[0074] The method of stirring the aluminum-containing particles (b) is not particularly limited, but for example, a method of stirring the aluminum-containing particles (b) using a mixer can be mentioned. As the mixer, for example, an Infinite Mixer (manufactured by Tokuju Kogyosho Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0075] <Process (C)> The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment preferably includes a step (C) of classifying the aluminum-containing particles (b). Step (C) is a step carried out after step (B). An optional step may be provided between step (B) and step (C).

[0076] In the step (C), the method for classifying the aluminum-containing particles (b) is not particularly limited. Step (C) may be, for example, a step of removing coarse particles and fine powder from the aluminum-containing particles (b), a step of removing only coarse particles from the aluminum-containing particles (b), or a step of removing only fine powder from the aluminum-containing particles (b).

[0077] Step (C) is a step of classifying the aluminum-containing particles (b), for example, by sieving the aluminum-containing particles (b) using an upper screen and a lower screen as sieves and recovering the aluminum-containing particles (b) that passed through the upper screen but not the lower screen. In addition, step (C) may be a step of classifying the aluminum-containing particles (b) by, for example, sieving the aluminum-containing particles (b) using only an upper screen as a sieve and recovering the aluminum-containing particles (b) that have passed through the upper screen, or a step of classifying the aluminum-containing particles (b) by sieving the aluminum-containing particles (b) using only a lower screen as a sieve and recovering the aluminum-containing particles (b) that have not passed through the lower screen.

[0078] The opening size of the upper screen is, for example, 40 μm to 180 μm, preferably 45 μm to 170 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 70 μm, and the opening size of the lower screen is, for example, 5 μm to 30 μm, preferably 10 μm to 20 μm. By appropriately adjusting the opening diameter of the upper screen and the lower screen, the particle diameter (D 10 Particle size, D 50 Particle size and D 90 The particle size can be adjusted to a desired value.

[0079] The classifier used in step (C) is not particularly limited, but for example, a Hi-Bolter (blow-through type classifier, manufactured by Toyo Hightec Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0080] <Other processes> The method for producing aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment may include other steps as appropriate in addition to the steps described above.

[0081] The aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment may be aluminum-containing particles obtained after step (C) in the method for producing aluminum-containing particles, may be aluminum-containing particles (a), or may be aluminum-containing particles (b) prior to step (C).

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0083] The present embodiment will be described in detail below based on examples and comparative examples. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the descriptions of these examples.

[0084] [Example 1] <Molten metal preparation process> An aluminum alloy ingot (AlSi10Mg) was placed in a primary furnace (electric furnace, manufactured by Ducor Corporation), and a flux (product name: Tsubasa Flux Smokeless, manufactured by Tokyo Molex Crucible Co., Ltd.) was added in an amount of 0.2 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the aluminum alloy ingot. The mixture was then heated to 830°C to prepare a molten metal. The obtained molten metal was transferred from the primary furnace to a secondary furnace (high-frequency induction furnace manufactured by High Frequency Systems Co., Ltd.) The molten metal was maintained at a temperature of 700°C in the secondary furnace.

[0085] <Atomization process (Process (A))> Using the molten metal in the secondary furnace as a raw material, aluminum-containing particles (a) were obtained by disk atomization under the following conditions. Disk atomizer: Spherical powder manufacturing device (Minerva Machinery Co., Ltd.) Rotating disc diameter: φ35mm Revolutions per minute: 82,000 rpm Molten metal output: 45kg / h Secondary furnace nozzle diameter: φ2mm Oxygen concentration: 1000±200ppm

[0086] Here, the oxygen concentration refers to the oxygen concentration in the spray chamber, and refers to the value measured by an oxygen concentration meter (product name: zirconia oxygen concentration meter RF-30, manufactured by Toray Engineering Co., Ltd.) The oxygen concentration was adjusted to the target oxygen concentration by appropriately injecting compressed air or nitrogen gas into the spray chamber.

[0087] <1st classification process (process (B))> The aluminum-containing particles (a) were classified using a vibrating sieve machine (manufactured by Koei Sangyo Co., Ltd., product name: vibrating sieve with ultrasonic oscillator UB70UR-3S, sieve mesh opening diameter: 250 μm) to obtain aluminum-containing particles (b). Here, the aluminum-containing particles (a) that passed through the sieve mesh were collected and used as aluminum-containing particles (b).

[0088] <Stirring process> The aluminum-containing particles (b) were stirred using a mixer (manufactured by Tokuju Kogyosho Co., Ltd., product name: Mugen Mixer MM-220) at 29 rpm for 5 minutes.

[0089] <Second classification process (process (C))> The aluminum-containing particles (b) were classified using a blow-through classifier (manufactured by Toyo Hightec Co., Ltd., product name: Hi-Bolter NR-600SD type (two-stage)) to obtain the aluminum-containing particles of Example 1. Here, the aluminum-containing particles (b) that passed through the upper screen (opening diameter: vertical 58 μm, horizontal 60 μm) but did not pass through the lower screen (opening diameter: vertical 20 μm, horizontal 20 μm) in Example 1 were collected and used as the aluminum-containing particles.

[0090] [Examples 2 to 5] The aluminum-containing particles (b) were produced by the same method as the <molten metal preparation step> to the <first classification step (step (B))> in Example 1 under the conditions shown in Table 1, and the obtained aluminum-containing particles (b) were used as the aluminum-containing particles of Examples 2 to 5. That is, in Examples 2 to 5, the <stirring step> and the <second classification step (step (C))> in Example 1 were not carried out.

[0091] [Comparative Example 1] Aluminum-containing particles of Comparative Example 1 were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the conditions were as shown in Table 1.

[0092] In Table 1, "Flux" indicates whether or not flux was added in the molten metal preparation process. In addition, in Table 1, the numerical values ​​given for "upper mesh" and "lower mesh" refer to the opening diameter of the mesh of the classifier in the second classification process.

[0093] [measurement] The aluminum-containing particles of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 were subjected to the following measurements.

[0094] <Elemental analysis> Using a solid-state optical emission spectrometer (manufactured by Thermo Fischer SCIENTIFIC, product name: ARL-3460), elemental analysis by solid-state optical emission spectrometry was performed on the aluminum-containing particles of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1. As a result of the elemental analysis, the composition of each of the aluminum-containing particles was an alloy represented by AlSi10Mg.

[0095] <Content of particles (B) etc.> First, an observation sample was prepared in which 100 or more aluminum-containing particles were fixed to the surface of a pedestal. Here, the aluminum-containing particles were dispersed in the observation sample so that they did not overlap with each other. Specifically, the observation sample was prepared by placing double-sided tape on the surface of the pedestal, dropping the aluminum-containing particles onto the exposed surface of the double-sided tape, and removing the excess aluminum-containing particles with air. Using a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi High-Tech Corporation, product name: SU8200), SEM images were obtained at 500x magnification of the sample for observation. For each level, more than 20 images were obtained by shifting the imaging position.

[0096] First, 100 or more aluminum-containing particles were observed using the obtained SEM image, and the number of aluminum-containing particles (A) without satellite particles and the number of aluminum-containing particles (B) with satellite particles were determined. Then, the ratio of the number of particles (A) and the number of particles (B) to the total number of particles observed was calculated, and the content of particles (A) and the content of particles (B) were determined, respectively.

[0097] Next, the particle size of the satellite particles of the aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles was measured, and the number of aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle size of 5.0 μm or less, the number of aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles with a particle size of 10.0 μm or more, and the number of aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles with a particle size of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm were calculated. Then, the ratio of the number of particles (B1), particles (B2), and particles (B3) to the number of all particles observed was calculated, and the content of particles (B1), particles (B2), and particles (B3) was calculated.

[0098] The particles (A), (B) and (B1) to (B3) were judged based on the judgment method for the particles (A), (B) and (B1) to (B3) described in the embodiment of the invention.

[0099] The number and content of each particle in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 are shown in Table 2. Note that the number and content of particles (B1) to (B3) in Comparative Example 1 were not measured.

[0100] Figures 6, 8 and 10 are SEM images of the aluminum-containing particles of Example 1. Figure 7 is a representation of Figure 6 with the numbers added. Figure 9 is a representation of Figure 8 with the numbers added. Figure 11 is a representation of Figure 10 with the numbers added. 7, 9 and 11, the symbols A, B, and B1 to B3 correspond to particle (A), particle (B), and particles (B1) to (B3), respectively. Symbol C is an aluminum-containing particle in which only a part of the particle is imaged. The particle with symbol C was not observed.

[0101] <Particle size> The measurement sample was prepared by mixing 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, dispersing the mixture in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds. The 1.3% surfactant was prepared by diluting the original solution of Fresh Green Apple with Fruit Acid (manufactured by Rocket Soap Co., Ltd., surfactant (sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate) 14%) 11 times. Specifically, the 1.3% surfactant was prepared by diluting 50 mL of the original solution of Fresh Green Apple with Fruit Acid with 500 mL of water. The volumetric particle size distribution of aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size analyzer (Microtrac, product name: MT-3300EX II) for the measurement sample, and D 10 Particle size, D 50 Particle size and D 90 The particle size values ​​were obtained respectively.

[0102] <Sphericity> The sphericity of the aluminum-containing particles was determined by image analysis using ImageJ of the SEM images obtained in the above <Content of particles (B), etc.>. Specifically, the short axis length and long axis length of the aluminum-containing particles were measured, and the sphericity of one aluminum-containing particle was determined using the formula sphericity = short axis length / long axis length, and the value calculated by arithmetically averaging the sphericities of 100 or more aluminum-containing particles was regarded as the sphericity of the aluminum-containing particles.

[0103] <Angle of repose> In an environment of 18-23°C and 20-50% RH, 80 g of aluminum-containing particles were deposited on the horizontal surface of a base (φ83 mm) through a funnel (Entec Co., Ltd., product name: 201N, discharge hole diameter: 8 mm) at a constant speed (2 g / sec), and the angle between the deposited powder and the horizontal surface was measured. The angle between the deposited powder and the horizontal surface was measured by photographing the deposited powder from a horizontal angle and using image processing software (Paint.NET). The distance from the discharge hole of the funnel to the horizontal surface was 45 mm. The angle of repose of the aluminum-containing particles was determined as the average angle between the generatrix of the left and right cones and the horizontal plane.

[0104] <Liquidity> The flowability was measured by the Hall flow test in accordance with JIS Z2502:2020, i.e., the time [sec / 50g] it takes for 50g of aluminum-containing particles to flow through the orifice of a calibrated funnel with specified dimensions was measured. In Table 3, "ND" means that no powder flowed out even when the orifice was opened, or the flow stopped during measurement, i.e., no measurement value was obtained.

[0105] The particle size, sphericity, angle of repose, and flowability of the aluminum-containing particles of Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1 are shown in Table 3.

[0106] [Table 1]

[0107] [Table 2]

[0108] [Table 3]

[0109] The aluminum-containing particles of the examples were evaluated for fluidity by the Hall flow test to be better than the aluminum-containing particles of the comparative examples. That is, the aluminum-containing particles of the present embodiment can improve dynamic fluidity.

[0110] The 3D printer model using the aluminum-containing particles of the embodiment had better mechanical strength than the 3D printer model using the aluminum-containing particles of the comparative example. Furthermore, the 3D printer model using the aluminum-containing particles of the embodiment had less internal defects and less apparent unevenness on the surface of the model than the 3D printer model using the aluminum-containing particles of the comparative example, and was superior in modeling accuracy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 main particles 20 Satellite Particles 30 Covering 100 particles (B) A particle (A) B particle (B) B1 particle (B1) B2 particle (B2) B3 Particles (B3) C. Particles in which only a portion of the aluminum-containing particle is imaged

Claims

1. Aluminum-containing particles (A) having no satellite particles; and (B) aluminum-containing particles having satellite particles, The aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles include aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less, the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles is 26% or more and 90% or less, as calculated by the following <Method 1>, the content of aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less, calculated by the following <Method 2>, is 5% or more and 60% or less, Aluminum-containing particles having a fluidity of 5.0 sec / 50 g or more and 15.0 sec / 50 g or less, as measured by a hole flow test in accordance with JIS Z2502:2020. <Method 1> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles. <Method 2> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B1) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or less.

2. The aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles further include aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more, The aluminum-containing particles according to claim 1, wherein the content of the aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more, calculated by the following <Method 3>, is 25% or less. <Method 3> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B2) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of 10.0 μm or more.

3. The aluminum-containing particles (B) having satellite particles further include aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm, The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles having a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm, calculated by the following <Method 4>, is 25% or less. <Method 4> The aluminum-containing particles are observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the ratio of the number of aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm to the total number of aluminum-containing particles observed is defined as the content of aluminum-containing particles (B3) having satellite particles with a particle diameter of more than 5.0 μm and less than 10.0 μm.

4. D calculated by the following <Particle size measurement> ５０ The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1 or 2, having a particle diameter of 30.0 μm or more and 60.0 μm or less. <Particle size measurement> 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles were mixed with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, and the mixture was dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds to obtain a measurement sample. The volume-based particle size distribution of the aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size measuring device. １０ Particle size, D ５０ Particle size and D ９０ The particle size values ​​are obtained respectively.

5. D calculated by the following <Particle size measurement> １０ The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1 or 2, having a particle diameter of 20.0 μm or more and 40.0 μm or less. <Particle size measurement> 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles were mixed with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, and the mixture was dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds to obtain a measurement sample. The volume-based particle size distribution of the aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size measuring device. １０ Particle size, D ５０ Particle size and D ９０ The particle size values ​​are obtained respectively.

6. D calculated by the following <Particle size measurement> ９０ The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1 or 2, having a particle diameter of 50.0 μm or more and 100.0 μm or less. <Particle size measurement> 3.0 g of aluminum-containing particles were mixed with 40 mL of water and 10 mL of a 1.3% surfactant, and the mixture was dispersed in an ultrasonic bath for 300 seconds to obtain a measurement sample. The volume-based particle size distribution of the aluminum-containing particles was measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size measuring device. １０ Particle size, D ５０ Particle size and D ９０ The particle size values ​​are obtained respectively.

7. 3. The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1, having a sphericity of 0.8 or more.

8. 3. The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1, having an angle of repose measured by an injection method of 50.0° or less.

9. 3. The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1, wherein the aluminum-containing particle comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of pure aluminum particles and aluminum-based alloy particles.

10. 10. The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 9, wherein the aluminum-based alloy particle contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mn, Si, Mg, Zn, and Ni.

11. 10. The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 9, wherein the aluminum-based alloy particle comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an Al-Si based alloy, an Al-Cu based alloy, an Al-Mn based alloy, an Al-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Cu based alloy, an Al-Zn-Mg based alloy, an Al-Si-Mg-Cu based alloy, an Al-Cu-Ni-Mg based alloy, and an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu based alloy.

12. 10. The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 9, wherein the aluminum-based alloy particle comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of AlSi10Mg and AlSi12.

13. The aluminum-containing particle according to claim 1 or 2, which can be used as a raw material powder for a 3D printer model.

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