ZINC OXIDE WHISKERS HAVING A TETRAPOD CRYSTALLINE FORM AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME

摘要

The invention relates to whiskers of zinc oxide whose crystal structure includes a central body and four needle crystal projections radially extending from said central body are described. The whiskers are so unique a structure they they are applicable to various materials such as metals, resins, ceramics and the like as a reinforcing material. The whiskers may be in the form of a mixture of whiskers of zinc oxide having crystal structures including two, three, four and/or five needle crystal projections. A method for preparing such whiskers is also described in which a metallic zinc powder having an oxide film thereon is provided and thermally treated to form a whisker product.