Improving the Oxidation Resistance of Base Metal Powders

A straightforward technique was used to improve the oxidation resistance of base metal fine powders. It is based on using a very thin (monolayer) coating of a noble metal on base metal particles. In all examples experimentally evaluated, improvement of the oxidation behavior was achieved. The cementation process involved for the coating is described. The thermodynamic and kinetic differences between the treated and base metal powders are referred to phenomenologically. Some possible technological applications, in particular in the multilayer devices arena, are discussed.