8 - Mechanical and physical methods for the metal oxide powders production

Abstract

The functional and advanced materials and their production techniques received more attention in material science and engineering over the past several decades. However, the metal oxide powders and nanopowders and their mixtures require further intensive research. They have many applications and usages in various industrial fields. An increase in demand for new materials that can be used to enable technological progress requires more and more novel techniques and tools necessary to manufacture on a large scale. In this contribution an overview of the mechanical and physical techniques for the production of metal oxides powders with a focus on processes and devices will be provided. The milling process, atomization process, and physical vapor deposition are the main mechanical and physical powder production methods that are used commercially for mass production rate. Also, the comparison between the methods of metal oxides powder production and their limitations and drawbacks will be stated. Furthermore, choosing the right powder production method depends on the aims of the process and the type of materials (e.g., hard, brittle, and ductile) that will be subjected to the process.