PYROPHORIC ZINC AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION THEREOF

摘要

A process for making filamentous pyrophoric zinc comprising (a) electrolyzin g a suitable zincate anion-containing alkaline solution in an electrolytic cell having a cathode and an anode to effect deposition of filamentous zinc on said cathode; (b) washi ng the filamentous zinc with a suitable solvent to remove the alkaline solution fro m the filamentous zinc to produce washed filamentous zinc; (c) removing the filamentous zinc from the cathode, either before or after the washing step (b); (d) drying the washed filamentous zinc wither before or after the removal from the cathode, in an essentially oxyge n- free atmosphere to produce filamentous, pyrophoric zinc; (e) collecting the filamentous, pyrophoric zinc under an essentially oxygen-free atmosphere. The process provides for efficacious production of pyrophoric zinc suitable for use as a catalyst and a decoy against heat-seeking missiles.