Abstract
The effect of poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (EMA), an additive used in nickel powder precipitation, has been studied using sodium hypophosphite
as a reducing agent. Reduction experiments were conducted using a 10 L stainless steel batch reactor. The effect of EMA was investigated by
studying the evolution of the particle size distribution (PSD) and its derived moments, specific surface area, rate of reduction, pH–redox potential
and elemental composition of the powder product. EMA has been found to act as a reduction catalyst and anti-agglomerating agent. The major
particulate processes identified were size dependent aggregation, molecular growth and breakage.