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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
Spark erosion provides a means for producing fine particles (5 nm to 75 um) of metals, alloys, and semiconductors. Since the powders are formed from liquid droplets solidified in a liquid dielectric, the rate of solidification of the particles can be very high, varying according to particle size and the dielectric used. This paper examines some effects of different dielectrics on the microstructures, magnetic properties,and crystallization characteristics of amorphous and crystalline metals. It is seen that these properties depend upon the quench rate provided by the dielectric. In the case of the organic dielectrics, the quench rate appears to be associated with specific properties of the dielectric.