Reduction of oxides from metal powders wherein the de-oxidized powder is ready to be applied in its de-oxidized state directly from the furnace for fusing to a substrate

摘要

A method for the reduction of oxides in a powder metal requires a predetermined quantity of powder to be loaded into a retort tube or other type of furnace which is pumped down to a vacuum less than about 5 10.sup.-6 Torr. The retort is ramped up to a temperature of about 500. degree.-750 C. and maintained at that temperature under high vacuum for about 30-60 minutes to obtain reduction of oxides and de- gasing of copper powders of screen mesh sizes of -100. A hydrogen partial pressure of 150 microns to 20 mm of Hg may be valved into the system from standard grade hydrogen gas 15 minutes into approximately the 30-60 minute hold temperature ramp and then valved off on cooling to 400 C. to improve oxide removal. The system is returned to the high vacuum mode and furnace cooled to room temperature.