Method for surface activation of water atomized powders

摘要

A method for pickling and consolidating water atomized metallic powders to reduce surface oxides. The technique includes introducing the powder into an acid bath-preferably nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid, rinsing the powder, introducing the powder into an alkaline bath, rinsing the powder and then consolidating the powder into a workpiece. Alternatively, the powder can be additionally introduced into a second acid bath and/or placed into a finishing boric acid bath before consolidation.