Study on Reduction of Partially Oxidized Cauliflower-Like Copper Powder by Hydrogen

The copper powder produced by electrolysis has a dendritic structure, which gives it excellent green strength as raw material for producing metallurgical components. Yet its large specific surface makes susceptible to oxidation. Although the oxidation tends occur only on surface, still needs be reduced. partially oxidized cauliflower-like was reduced hydrogen in this paper. Internal diffusion found rate controlling step reduction reaction, apparent activation energy determined 14.18 kJ/mol using Arrhenius-based expression coefficient. Controlling particles were compact after reduction, and tips of dendrite arms became round smooth. density decreased but excess temperature led sintering, result, increased metallic powder. Therefore, lower appropriately long times yielded better density. These research results can provide reference plants.