Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
Gas atomization is one of the key processes used for the production of rapidly solidified materials. The unique feature of the gas atomization process is its capability to form spherical powders of multicomponent alloys containing reactive elements. Spherically shaped powder is specified in the secondary processing operations used in a number of applications. This requirement has resulted from the higher flow rate, better packing density, and lower surface area obtained in spherical particles compared to irregularly shaped particles.