Preparation of nanosized powders of refractory compounds and their composites by plasma techniques

The paper describes the development of plasma technique for the preparation of nanosized powders of metals, nitrides, carbonitrides, carbides, oxides and their particulate composites as well as characteristics of these products. The nanosized powders in the range of 10-120 nm have been prepared by introduction and evaporation of coarse-grained commercially available powders of chemical elements, oxides or salts in radio-frequency nitrogen, oxygen or air plasma. The necessary conditions for the preparation of nanosized powders include evaporation of precursors, control of particle growth, elimination of formation of precursor particles or extra phases and promotion of formation of product particles. Main advantages and drawbacks of plasma technique and production experience as well fields of application are discussed. The knowledge accumulated demonstrates that the plasma technique will be useful for the further development of nanostructural materials with improved characteristics.