Micropowders

Micropowders are very fine particulate materials with particle sizes in the micrometer range, typically from 1 to 100 micrometers. They can be metal powders, ceramic powders, polymer powders, carbon-based powders, or composites.

Their small size gives a high surface area to volume ratio, which enhances reactivity and interaction with binders, but also leads to strong agglomeration and variable flow properties.

Common production methods include mechanical milling (ball, jet), gas or liquid atomization, spray drying, and chemical precipitation; post-processing may involve sieving or classification to narrow the size distribution.

Micropowders are used in a wide range of applications, including coatings and paints as pigments or functional additives, in ceramic and glass manufacturing, catalysts and adsorbents, energy storage materials, electronics, and as feedstock for additive manufacturing. In pharmaceutical contexts, they can act as excipients or carriers.

Handling and safety considerations address dust control, respirable hazards, and potential explosion risk for combustible metal powders; appropriate ventilation, containment, and personal protective equipment are standard.

Characterization of micropowders typically includes particle size distribution (PSD) by laser diffraction, surface area by BET, morphology by microscopy, and flow properties to assess processability and compaction behavior.