Technical Specifications
- Material Name
- Product: Iron Nanopowder
- Chemical Formula: Fe
- CAS Number: 7439-89-6
- Purity
- Grade: 99.9% (metal basis)
- Impurities: ≤0.1% (trace amounts of oxides, other metals, or non-metallic elements)
- Particle Size
- Average Size: ~800 nm (submicron range)
- Particle Size Distribution: Typically verified by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)
- Note: 800 nm is on the larger side of the nanoparticle/submicron category
- Morphology
- Shape: Near-spherical particles, though some slight irregularities may be present
- Surface Area: Higher than bulk iron but lower than smaller (<100 nm) nanoparticles
- Crystal Structure
- Phase: Body-Centered Cubic (bcc)
- Potential Variations: Minor microstructural differences can arise from manufacturing or post-processing methods
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Color: Gray to black metallic powder
- Density: Bulk iron density ~7.86 g/cm³, although powder density is lower due to voids/agglomeration
- Melting Point: ~1,538 °C
- Boiling Point: ~2,862 °C
- Magnetic Properties: Iron is ferromagnetic; submicron particles generally retain strong magnetic responses
- Packaging and Storage
- Standard Packaging: Often sealed in airtight containers under inert gas (e.g., argon) or vacuum-sealed to minimize oxidation
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; protect from ambient humidity and air
- Shelf Life: Can remain stable if properly stored; partial oxidation may develop over prolonged exposure to oxygen
- Safety and Handling
- Hazards:
- Finely divided iron can be pyrophoric (ignite spontaneously in air) under certain conditions
- Inhalation of dust may irritate the respiratory system
- Recommended Protective Measures:
- Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, respirators)
- Handle in an inert or controlled atmosphere (e.g., glove box with argon) to reduce the risk of oxidation or ignition
- Hazards:
Applications
- Magnetic Materials
- Magnet Applications: Iron’s ferromagnetic properties are leveraged in permanent and soft magnetic materials; submicron particles can influence magnetic permeability and coercivity.
- Magnetorheological Fluids: Iron powders can be dispersed in fluids whose viscosity changes when exposed to a magnetic field.
- Catalysis
- Chemical Synthesis: Iron nanoparticles or submicron particles can serve as catalysts in processes like Fischer-Tropsch synthesis or other hydrogenation/oxidation reactions.
- Environmental Remediation: Zero-valent iron particles are investigated for decontamination (e.g., reduction of chlorinated hydrocarbons in groundwater).
- Electronics and EMI Shielding
- EMI Absorbers: Iron-based materials embedded in coatings or polymers can help shield sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference.
- Inductive Components: Iron cores in inductors and transformers can enhance electromagnetic efficiency.
- Alloying and Metallurgy
- Powder Metallurgy: Submicron iron can aid in sintering, helping to refine grain structure and improve mechanical properties in final metal components.
- High-Performance Alloys: Added in small quantities to adjust microstructure and enhance properties (e.g., strength, wear resistance).
- Energy Storage and Conversion
- Battery Materials: Iron is a candidate for advanced battery electrodes, though smaller nanoparticles are more common for high surface-area applications.
- Fuel Cell Catalysts: Iron-containing catalysts may be applied in certain electrochemical processes.
- Biomedical Research (Exploratory)
- Drug Delivery and Imaging: Iron-based particles, especially in oxide form, are studied for targeted drug delivery and MRI contrast.
- Hyperthermia: Iron particles can generate localized heat under an alternating magnetic field, potentially useful in cancer therapy (though typically smaller nanopowders are preferred).
In Summary
Iron Nanopowder (Fe, 99.9%, 800 nm, near spherical) is a high-purity, submicron powder distinguished by its ferromagnetic properties. While the 800 nm size is relatively large for “nano” applications, it still offers advantages over bulk iron due to increased surface area. This material can be used for catalysis, EMI shielding, metallurgy, and other advanced applications. Proper inert-atmosphere storage and careful handling are essential to maintain its quality and ensure user safety.