Ferrophosphorus composition having improved conductivity and passivation resistance

Abstract

A ferrophosphorus composition with improved conductivity and passivation resistance is prepared by treating ferrophosphorus particles with an aqueous solution containing a dilute mineral acid and ions of chromium and a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, strontium, calcium, barium, lead or copper. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of chromium and zinc ions in the solution is in the range of about 2 grams/liter to about 10 grams/liter, and the treatment time is from about 2 to about 6 minutes. The treated ferrophosphorus particles can be formulated in a suitable resin binder for use as corrosion resistant coatings, weldable coatings, EMI shielding coatings or electrically conductive coatings. The treated ferrophosphorus particles can also be used in powder metallurgy applications.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.