The Production of Samarium-Cobalt Nanoparticles Using a Spark Discharge Generator

Abstract: In this project I attempt to press custom electrodes from Sm and Co powder using two different pressing tools. I investigate if custom electrodes can generate nanoparticles with tailored properties using a spark discharge generator (SDG). Three different sources of the nanoparticle material will be considered, pressed Sm and Co powder, pure Sm and Co electrodes and alloyed SmCo made from demagnetized magnets. The nanoparticles produced were analysed using tandem DMA to investigate the size distribution, concentration, thermal charging and oxidation of the particles. The particles were compacted and deposited using an ESP so that SEM analysis could be performed to examine the morphology and TEM/EDX to learn about the particle's elemental composition. The production of pressed SmCo electrodes was unsuccessful, but stainless steel electrodes were pressed, and it is hoped that custom electrodes can be produced using an improved tool. Compositional analysis of SmCo particles made from pure Sm and Co and alloyed electrodes both contained Sm and Co, but the internal elemental composition and morphology differed. The ability to produce nanoparticles with desirable properties using an SDG is good. Nanoparticles with tailored properties have potential to be generated and have a number of important applications in biomedicine.