Wet-Process Copper Powder pH Control for Low Agglomeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The wet method of producing copper powder results in agglomeration of finer particles, leading to complex and burdensome crushing and classification processes, which increase losses and deteriorate the properties of the copper powder paste.
Innovation Solution
Treating copper powder produced by the wet method under specific pH conditions to achieve an absolute zeta potential of 20 mV or more, reducing agglomeration and enabling easier crushability without the need for complex classification steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If finer copper powder is produced by wet method, then particle size is reduced, but copper powders agglomerate with each other forming secondary particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the zeta potential parameter of copper powder from a low absolute value (causing agglomeration) to a high absolute value of 20 mV or more (preventing agglomeration). This parameter change is achieved through surface treatment or chemical modification of the copper powder, transforming the electrostatic interaction between particles from attractive to repulsive, thereby eliminating the harmful agglomeration effect while maintaining fine particle size.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If complicated crushing and classifying process is applied to separated agglomerates, then secondary particles are reduced, but manufacturing burden and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the copper powder during or after the wet synthesis process to establish a high absolute zeta potential of 20 mV or more. This preliminary electrostatic stabilization prevents agglomeration from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for subsequent complicated crushing and classifying operations to break apart secondary particles, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing burden and material losses.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rough crushing is performed to break agglomerates, then particle dispersion is improved, but process complexity and material loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrostatic parameter (zeta potential) of the copper powder to a high absolute value of 20 mV or more, which fundamentally alters the interparticle interaction from aggregation to repulsion. This parameter change achieves excellent particle dispersion without requiring rough crushing operations, thereby preventing material loss that would otherwise occur during mechanical breakdown of agglomerates.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The treated copper powder exhibits improved dispersibility and reduced residual secondary particles, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing additive manufacturing accuracy and printability by maintaining ink wettability and preventing reaggregation.
Implementation Method 1
the copper powder has an absolute value of zeta potential of 20 mV or more
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a copper powder manufactured by means of a wet method, wherein the absolute value of the zeta potential of the copper powder is at least 20 mV. The copper powder can be manufactured so as to reduce the burden of the steps of crushing a dry cake and classification, and there is a sufficient reduction in residual secondary particles.