Abstract

Pure tantalum powder has been produced by combining Na as a reducing agent, K_2TaF_7 as feed material, KCl and KF as a diluent in a stainless steel (SUS) bomb, using the method of metallothermic reduction. And we examined various types of after-treatment that affect the high purification of powder. A significant amount of impurities contained in recovered powder was removed in various conditions of acid washing. In particular, 20% (HCl + HNO_3) was effective in removing heavy metal impurities such as Fe, Cr and Ni, 8% H_2SO_4 + 8% Al_2(SO_4)_3 in removing fluorides such as K and F from non-reactive feed material, and 2% H_2O_2 + 1 % HF in removing oxides that formed during reaction. Significant amounts of oxygen and part of light metal impurities could be removed through deoxidation and heat treatment process. On the other hand, because it is difficult to remove completely heavy metal impurities such as Fe, Cr, and Ni through acid washing or heat treatment process if their contents are too high, it is considered desirable to inhibit these impurities from being mixed during the reduction process as much as possible.

• Keywords: Ta powder;After-treatment;Feed material;Reductant;Diluent;Acid washing;Deoxidation;Heat treatment;