Various powder production processes allow precise control of the chemical composition and physical characteristics of powders and allow tailoring of specific attributes for targeted applications. Metal powders are produced by either mechanical methods or chemical methods. The commonly used mechanical methods include water and gas atomization, milling, mechanical alloying, and electrolysis. Some chemical methods include reduction of oxides. This article provides information on the reliable techniques for powder characterization and testing to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of metal powders, both as individual particles and in bulk forms.

Oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys are produced by mechanical alloying, a process by which base metals and alloying particles are powdered together forming a metal-matrix composite. This article discusses the production of ODS superalloy powders and subsequent processing steps, including consolidation, hot rolling, heat treating, and the fabrication of mill products. It also discusses the nominal composition and microstructure of commercial ODS alloys, including nickel, iron, and aluminum-base systems, and provides detailed information on their mechanical, physical, oxidation, and hot-corrosion properties.