IMPROVED TANTALUM POWDER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

摘要

An improved flaked tantalum powder and process for making the flaked powder are disclosed. The powder is characterized by having a Scott density greater than about 18 g/in3 and preferably at least about 90% of the flake particles having no dimension greater than about 55 micrometers. Agglomerates of the flaked tantalum powder, provide improved flowability, green strength and presssing characteristics compared to conventional flaked tantalum powders. The improved flaked tantalum powder can be made by preparing a flaked tantalum and then reducing the flake size until a Scott density greater than about 18 g/in3 is achieved. The invention also provides pellets and capacitors prepared from the above-described flaked tantalum powder.