SPHERICAL IRON-OXIDE PARTICLES SYNTHESIZED BY AN AEROSOL TECHNIQUE

Spherical particles of several iron oxides have been obtained by pyrol ysis of an aerosol generated by ultrahigh frequency spraying of a solu tion. Two different precursor solutions were used to produce the aeros ol: Fe(NO3)3 . 9H2O and FeC6H5O7 . 4H2O. The iron nitrate decompositio n leads to the formation of alpha-Fe2O3, while the organic precursor p yrolysis leads to magnetic particles of either gamma-Fe2O3 or Fe3O4. S tructural phase, particle size, texture, and homogeneity of the produc ts so obtained can be controlled as a function of some synthesis condi tions such as precursor solution, temperature, solution concentration, and surrounding atmosphere.