Metal particles and method for producing same

Abstract

The present invention provides metal particles, in which microfine carbon fibers are uniformly dispersed, and a method of producing such metal particles. The method comprises the steps of: electrolyzing an electrolytic solution, in which the microfine carbon fibers are dispersed, so as to deposit metal particles, in which the microfine carbon fibers are incorporated, on a cathode; and separating the deposited metal particles from the cathode. The separated metal particles are collected, cleaned and dried.

1 . A method of producing metal particles comprising the steps of: 
 electrolyzing an electrolytic solution, in which the microfine carbon fibers are dispersed, so as to deposit metal particles, in which the microfine carbon fibers are incorporated, on a cathode; and    separating the deposited metal particles from the cathode.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of collecting, cleaning and drying the separated metal particles.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein conditions of said electrolyzing step are adjusted so as to deposit the metal particles having average particle diameters of several hundred nm to several dozen micro meter.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal particles are copper particles.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal particles are separated by soaking the cathode, on which the metal particles are deposited, into acetone and applying supersonic waves.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal particles are separated from the cathode by spraying compressed air to the cathode or applying shocks or vibrations to the cathode while electrolyzing.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the microfine carbon fibers are dispersed in the electrolytic solution by adding a dispersing agent, which is made from an organic compound.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the dispersing agent is polyacrylic acid whose molecular weight is 5000 or more.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein a surface of the cathode is roughed.  
   
   
       10 . A metal particle produced by the method according to  claim 1 .  
   
   
       11 . A composite material produced by melting an aggregate of the metal particles according to  claim 10.