Method of producing zinc powder for alkaline batteries by atomisation

摘要

The invention relates to a method of producing zinc powder having a mercury content of 0.1-10% by weight and, optionally, further alloying elements for use in alkaline batteries by atomisation. A slightly overheated melt of zinc or a zinc alloy is introduced into mercury or a mercury/zinc master alloy, homogenised, atomised and mixed with an amount of water which is such that the latter evaporates as a result of the heat content of the powder particles. This produces a better and more homogeneous product under more environmentally acceptable conditions than hitherto.