Cobalt is an important strategic metal used in various applications such as permanent magnets, superalloys, radiation sources, batteries etc. Technology for preparation of cobalt metal powder from cobalt oxalate using pyrometallurgical processes will be demonstrated. The cobalt powder is subsequently shaped using powder metallurgical operations such as compaction and sintering techniques. Preparation of fine size cobalt powder and rod type shapes are the main products of this technology.

The process requires simple equipment such as decomposition furnaces, pressing equipment, sintering furnaces etc. The different process steps can be conducted using minimum manpower.

1. Cobalt metal has a wide range of applications such as in permanent magnets, carbide tools, cobalt based super alloys etc.
2. Cobalt is extensively used as an alloying addition for producing permanent magnets such as Sm-Co and AlNiCo.
3. Cobalt based superalloys find uses in various high temperature applications.
4. Cobalt-60 is used as radiation source for medical and agricultural applications.

Cobalt is an important strategic metal used in various applications such as permanent magnets, superalloys, radiation sources, batteries etc. Technology for preparation of cobalt metal powder from cobalt oxalate using pyrometallurgical processes will be demonstrated. The cobalt powder is subsequently shaped using powder metallurgical operations such as compaction and sintering techniques. Preparation of fine size cobalt powder and rod type shapes are the main products of this technology.

The process requires simple equipment such as decomposition furnaces, pressing equipment, sintering furnaces etc. The different process steps can be conducted using minimum manpower.

1. Cobalt metal has a wide range of applications such as in permanent magnets, carbide tools, cobalt based super alloys etc.
2. Cobalt is extensively used as an alloying addition for producing permanent magnets such as Sm-Co and AlNiCo.
3. Cobalt based superalloys find uses in various high temperature applications.
4. Cobalt-60 is used as radiation source for medical and agricultural applications.

Production of Cobalt metal powder is achieved by thermal decomposition of cobalt oxalate. Cobalt metal shapes are fabricated by powder metallurgical operations such as compaction followed by sintering.

Cobalt is not abundantly available however, there are many secondary resources containing cobalt values are viable, from where cobalt is recovered in the form of cobalt oxalate.

The major equipment required are thermal decomposition furnace, cold isostatic press/hydraulic press, high temperature furnaces & machining equipment etc.

The manpower requirements depend on the capacity and the extent of automation. 1 Metallurgist, 1 Chemist & 2 skilled lab technicians are required to start the production.