Nickel Metal Powder

Table of Contents

Overview

Nickel metal powder is a fine granular form of nickel made by atomizing molten nickel into very small droplets which solidify into a powder form. It has unique properties that make it useful for applications like additive manufacturing, surface coating, electronics, welding products, and more.

Key details about nickel metal powder:

  • Composition – Pure nickel or nickel alloys with metals like iron, copper, etc.
  • Particle shape – Spherical, irregular, dendritic, or mixed morphology
  • Size range – From 10 nanometers to 150 microns typically
  • Purity – From 99% up to 99.99% pure nickel
  • Production methods – Atomization, carbonyl decomposition, electrolysis, milling
  • Key properties – High purity, good conductivity and magnetism, excellent corrosion resistance, ability to form alloys
  • Main applications – 3D printing powder, thermal spray coatings, battery electrodes, diamond tools, electronics
nickel metal powder

Types of Nickel Metal Powder

TypeCompositionCharacteristicsUses
Pure nickel99-99.9% NiHigh purity, good conductivity/magnetism, alloyabilityElectronics, coatings, welding, 3D printing
Nickel alloysNi + Fe, Cu, Cr, etc.Enhanced properties like strength, wear resistanceSurface engineering, high-temp applications
Carbonyl nickel>99.9% NiUltra high purity, spheroidal particlesElectronics, MLCCs, welding
Nanosized nickel<100 nm particlesVery large surface area, high reactivityCatalysts, batteries, sensors

Properties of Nickel Metal Powder

PropertyDetailsSignificance
CompositionPure nickel or nickel alloysDetermines properties like strength, corrosion resistance, curie temperature
Particle morphologySpherical, irregular, dendritic, mixedAffects flowability, packing density, sintering
Particle size10 nm to 150 μm typicallySuitability for application method, determines properties
Apparent densityAround 1-4 g/ccImpacts compression and handling
Tap densityUp to 65% of solid densityIndicates packing efficiency
PurityUp to 99.999% Ni contentPurity affects conductivity, permeability, oxidation resistance
Specific surface area0.1 – 10 m2/gDetermines reactivity, sintering rates

Applications of Nickel Metal Powder

Nickel powder is used in a wide range of industries due to its unique properties like high permeability, corrosion resistance, alloyability, and catalytic activity.

ApplicationDetails
Additive manufacturingUsed in powder bed fusion and binder jetting 3D printers to make Ni parts
Surface coatingsApplied via thermal spray or electro/electroless plating for wear/corrosion protection
Welding productsUsed to make hardfacing alloys and welding wires/rods
ElectronicsUsed in conductors, resistors, capacitors, magnetic cores of electronics
BatteriesAdded to battery electrodes and interconnects
Diamond toolsUsed as binder material for making diamond abrasive tools
CatalystsNickel catalysts used for hydrogenation, reforming, organic reactions

Nickel Metal Powder Specifications

Nickel powder is available in various size ranges, purities, morphologies, and can be customized to meet application requirements in terms of composition, flowability, packing density, reactivity and more.

ParameterRangeGrades/Standards
Particle size10 nm to 150 μmUltrafine, fine, coarse grades based on mesh sizes
Purity99 to 99.999% NiStd. commercial, high purity, ultra high purity grades
Apparent density1 to 4 g/cc typicallyCustomized based on tap density
Specific surface area0.1 to 10 m2/gNano, submicron, micron scale surface areas
Alloy compositionNi + Fe, Cu, Co, Cr, Mo etc.Custom alloys based on application
Porosity20 to 90%Customized porosity for filters, electrodes

International standards for nickel powder include:

  • ASTM B162 – Standard for Nickel Plate, Sheet, and Strip
  • ASTM B783 – Standard Specification for Material and Manufacture for Corrosion-Resistant Nickel Products
  • ISO 2401 – Nickel, nickel alloys and nickel-plated materials – Vickers hardness test

Suppliers and Pricing

Nickel powder is produced by companies like Vale, Jien Nickel, Vale Metech, and is sold directly or through metal powder distributors. Pricing depends on size, purity, morphology and purchase quantity.

SupplierDescriptionIndicative Pricing
ValeLeading producer of high purity nickel metal powders$50/kg for 99.7%, $150/kg for 99.99% purity
Jien NickelMajor Chinese nickel and ferroalloy powder producer$30-100/kg for 98-99.9% nickel powder
Vale MetechKey producer of spherical & alloy nickel powders$250/kg for <10 μm, 99.8% purity powder
Metal powder suppliersDistributors like Alfa Aesar, ESPI sell various Ni powder grades$100-1000/kg for 99 to 99.99% Ni powders

Pricing varies from $30/kg for commercial grade powder up to $1000/kg for high purity nano-scale powder. Customization for particle shape, size, density incurs additional charges.

Comparing Nickel Metal Powder Types

ParameterPure Ni PowderCarbonyl Ni PowderNano Ni PowderAlloy Ni Powder
Particle morphologyIrregular, dendriticSphericalSphericalMixed, irregular
Typical size range1-150 μm1-15 μm<100 nm5-100 μm
Purity99-99.9%>99.9%99.7-99.9%92-99%
CostLowHighVery highMedium
PropertiesGood conductivity/magnetismHigh purityVery high reactivityEnhanced strength
Ease of handlingAverageVery goodDifficultGood
Main applicationsCoatings, welding, 3D printingMLCCs, electronicsCatalysts, batteriesWear parts, high temperature

Advantages and Limitations of Nickel Metal Powder

AdvantagesLimitations
Excellent corrosion resistanceExpensive compared to iron or copper powder
High purity grades availableProne to oxidation at high temperatures
Alloyable with diverse elementsLower compressibility and green strength vs. iron powder
High permeability and thermal conductivitySensitive to traces of sulfur or carbon impurities
Good catalytic activityMore difficult to atomize vs. copper or aluminum
Non-toxic compared to cobalt or nickel

Nickel powder offers significant benefits but also has some limitations primarily related to cost and chemical reactivity. Proper handling and storage is important to preserve purity and prevent oxygen/moisture pickup.

nickel metal powder

FAQs

Q. What is the main use of nickel powder?

A. The primary use of nickel powder is in fabrication of corrosion and wear-resistant parts via powder metallurgy technique of metal 3D printing. Other key uses are production of surface coatings, nickel steel alloys, battery electrodes, welding consumables, etc.

Q. Is nickel powder flammable or explosive?

A. Nickel powder is generally non-flammable. But fine powders can form explosive dust-air mixtures and hence precautions are necessary for safe handling and prevention of dust explosions.

Q. What process is used to make nickel metal powder?

A. The main production method is atomization where purified molten nickel is broken into fine droplets using water or gas jets. The droplets solidify into powder. Other methods like carbonyl decomposition, electrolysis, milling are also used.

Q. What is the difference between nickel metal powder and nickel oxide powder?

A. Nickel metal powder contains over 99% nickel whereas nickel oxide is a chemical compound of nickel + oxygen used for specialized applications requiring the oxide form over pure metal.

Q. How to store nickel powder properly?

A. Nickel readily oxidizes so inert gas blanketing, vacuum packaging or corrosion inhibitors should be used. Cool, dry, indoor storage is necessary to prevent moisture pick-up and agglomeration.

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