High temperature process for making fine magnetic particles

摘要

The present invention is a method of producing single, unaggregated magnetic iron oxide particles. An iron or iron and divalent metal halide feed solution is kinetically atomized into a high velocity flame. The feed solution is vaporized and held in a reactor at a temperature and partial pressure of an oxidizing phase sufficient to form either ferrous oxide or magnetite particles. The iron or iron and divalent metal halide vapor reacts with the oxidizing phase vapor and converts to either ferrous oxide vapor or magnetite vapor. Since the vapor phase is beyond equilibrium concentration ferrous oxide or magnetite particles precipitate from the vapor phase. Quenching of the magnetite particles at an enhanced rate to less than 500 DEG C. in a reducing atmosphere renders magnetite and in a oxidizing atmosphere renders maghemite. Quenching of the ferrous oxide particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere produces magnetite particles.