Laser synthesis of refractory oxide powders
AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorGary W. Rice
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for the production of refractory oxide powders by pyrolyzing with laser energy a metal- and oxygen-containing organic chemical species characterized by the following properties: (a) some or all of the organic fragments (ligands) are bound to the metal by one or more metal-oxygen bonds, (b) the chemical species is able to absorb laser energy, preferably from a CO.sub.2 laser, in a vibrational mode, (c) the chemical species can be obtained in a gas state, at a temperature below the decomposition temperature.
Claims11
A continuous process for producing refractory oxide powders comprising:
- (a) obtaining a boron, silicon or metal containing compound including organic components in a gaseous state below its decomposition temperature such that the organic components are bound to the boron, silicon or metal by one or more boron, silicon or metal oxygen bonds,
- (b) irradiating said compound in the substantial absence of elemental oxygen with a laser such that the energy is absorbed in a vibrational mode at such an intensity so as to cause pyrolytic decomposition in a continuous manner, in the substantial absence of exothermic chemistry, so as to produce a refractory oxide powder, and
- (c) collecting said refractory oxide powder.
The process of claim 6 wherein said alkoxide has a vapor pressure above 100 torr at temperature below the decomposition temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.