PRODUCTION OF COPPER POWDER DEDICATED FOR THE LOW-PRESSURE COLD SPRAYING

In this paper, submicron copper powder was synthesized and applied in low-pressure cold spraying method (LPCS). Copper powder was obtained by chemical reduction, using ascorbic acid (AA), copper (II) sulphate pentahydrate and polyvinylpirolidon (PVP). The morphology of the powder was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The size of the copper particles ranged from 0.5 to 1 µm. The particles formed agglomerates of 5 µm in size. The copper coatings were deposited using the LPCS method. Coatings were produced using different carrier gases, compressed air and nitrogen, and temperatures of 400 and 600°C. The microstructure and thickness of each coating were examined by SEM as well as TEM. The coatings obtained by this method showed good adhesion to the surface. The thickness of the coatings ranged from 350 to 1000 µm. Thus, the study showed good quality of coatings obtained using the LPCS method. Key words: LPCS method, copper particles, an oxidation-reduction reaction, nitrogen gas, copper morphology.