A method for annealing metal powders without sintering

Abstract

A method is described for maintaining the separation of the component particles during the annealing of a metallic powder. The technique consists of mixing the metal powder with a larger quantity of a second powder that is inactive chemically relative to the metal, annealing the mixed powders, and separating the metal by dissolving the inert powder after annealing. In this way gold, silver, and iron powders have been annealed in sodium chloride without sintering.