Generation and characterization of nano aluminium powder obtained through wire explosion process

Abstract. In the present study, nano aluminium particles were produced by wire explosion process (WEP) in nitrogen, argon and helium atmospheres. Thus produced nano particles were characterized through certain physico-chemical diagnostic studies using wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and by energy dispersive analysis by X-rays (EDAX). The size and shape of the powder were analysed by using transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. The particle size distribution studies were performed by adopting log-normal probability distribution. The relationship between size of the particle generated in the explosion process and the type of inert gas/pressure was analysed. The mechanisms of nano particle formation, the factors which can aid the process of formation of nano particle in the wire explosion process were analysed. It is realized that energy depo-sited to the conductor and duration of current flow have major impact on particles produced by this process