초록 ▼

A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel usi

A method of producing nanocrystalline ceramic powder by creating a plasma stream in a reactor vessel, and physically converting a ceramic precursor material into ceramic particles suspended in the vessel, using the plasma stream. A metallic reactant may additionally be introduced into the vessel using the plasma stream, wherein the metallic reactant forms ceramic particles having the same composition as the ceramic particles of the physical converting step. The plasma stream is created using an electrothermal gun. The gun may use a ceramic barrel which is eroded by the plasma stream. Alternatively (or additionally), the ceramic precursor material may be injected as particulates into the plasma stream, wherein the ceramic precursor particulates are micron-sized or larger. A novel electrothermal gun design may optionally use a replaceable insert constructed of the ceramic precursor material.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of producing nanosized powder, comprising the steps of:providing an electrothermal gun with a barrel, a breech electrode, a muzzle electrode, a reactor atmosphere adjacent to the muzzle electrode, and wherein the electrodes are electrically insulated; applying a voltage between the elect

1. A method of producing nanosized powder, comprising the steps of:providing an electrothermal gun with a barrel, a breech electrode, a muzzle electrode, a reactor atmosphere adjacent to the muzzle electrode, and wherein the electrodes are electrically insulated; applying a voltage between the electrically insulated electrodes prior to initiating an ionizing arc between the electrodes; creating a plasma stream from a precursor material originating from at least one of the barrel and the muzzle electrode; and converting the plasma stream into nanosized particles in the reactor atmosphere.