Ultrafine powders of SiC, Si3N/sub 4/, Ni, and Al2O3 have been prepared in a rf-plasma reactor, utilizing an induction plasma tube designed at Los Alamos. The primary particle size of the ceramic powders ranges from 5 to 50 nm. Silicon carbide and alumina are ultrapure crystalline powders, while silicon nitride is amorphous for surface areas greater than 100 m2/g. Plasma nickel powder will sinter to full density at 1073 K.
DOE contract number: W-7405-ENG-36 OSTI Identifier 5791379 Research organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States).