Abstract: A method of producing a silicon based alloy is described which comprises melting a silicon alloy containing greater than 50 wt. % silicon and preferably including aluminium. The melted alloy is then inert gas atomized to produce powder or a spray formed deposit in which the silicon forms a substantially continuous phase made up of fine, randomly oriented crystals in the microstructure. The alloy produced by the method has particularly useful application in electronics packaging materials and a typical example comprises an alloy of 70 wt. % silicon and 30 wt. % aluminium. Such an alloy is an engineering material which, for example, is machinable.

Abstract: A method of producing coated powder material is provided. In the method, molten metal or metal alloy is caused to fall in a stream (3) and is then atomized into a spray. A liquid or solid material of different composition is introduced and caused to contact the stream or spray so that a coating is formed over all or part of the surface of the atomized droplets. The coating may be the introduced material or a reaction product.

Abstract: A method of producing coated powder material is provided. In the method, molten metal or metal alloy is caused to fall in a stream (3) and is then atomized into a spray. A liquid or solid material of different composition is introduced and caused to contact the stream or spray so that a coating is formed over all or part of the surface of the atomized droplets. The coating may be the introduced material or a reaction product.