The Influence of the Electron Beam Treatment on Metal Nanopowders

The results of differential thermal analysis of iron and aluminum nanopowders irradiated with an accelerated electron beam (up to 360 keV, 120 ns at half maximum) are presented. It has been established that the effect of irradiation appears. Upon an increase in the number of water particles absorbed by the surface and the accumulation of defects in the crystal structure inside the metal core of the powder particle. The obtained experimental results indicate that the effect of an electron beam on metal nanopowders leads to the ionization of particles and electron emission, and water sorbed from the air contributes to their charge compensation. This can be applied in 3D printing to reduce the sintering temperature of products, which leads to a decrease in energy consumption and the final cost of production. In addition, radiation-sensitive accumulation of defects and their long-term preservation may be a promising line of research for the organization of memory structures based on their memristive effect.