Vnukov A. Choosing and justifying the technological parameters of electrolytic copper powders synthesis with desired properties

This dissertation deals with the mechanisms of cathode deposit particle formation during synthesis of electrolytic copper powder, determining the optimal chemical composition of the electrolyte and the optimal levels of electrolysis process parameters for the synthesis of copper powder with controlled properties to improve performance of sintered powder products for various purposes and expanding applications of copper powders and products based on them. The optimal levels of critical process parameters of the synthesis process of electrolytic copper powder needed for regulating and improving its technology, physical and functional properties to ensure reliable operation of the sintered powder products were determined by means of theoretical generalizations of research results, concerning the established patterns of synthesis of copper cathode deposits and the interactions between surface shape and particle size as well as physical, technological and operational properties of copper powder. Based on the results of theoretical and experimental research, the recommendations regarding the optimizations of technological conditions of the electrolytic copper powder synthesis, with higher technological properties and corrosion resistance were stated and handed over to Electrochemprom LLC (Novomoskovsk, Act dated 12.01.2011). Based on these recommendations the electrolysis conditions as well as optimized electrolyte contents are introduced in Electrochemprom LLC. This allowed to get a more stabilized copper powder with higher grades of bulk density and liquidity as well as with less ability to get oxidized during the storage and transportation. An experimental batch of the electrolytic copper powder, which has better technological properties and a high chemical stability, was synthesized using the optimized technology. This had allowed obtaining samples of the sintered electric technical materials based on the copper powder, which have better technological properties compared to existing analogues. In particular, the electric conductivity increases by 30-40%.