9. Beryllium powder production

Beryllium metal is always used in powder form, with grain sizes of between 5 and 15 µm: grain size affects strength, ductility and machining characteristics. For this reason, standard techniques based on melting are not used, since even with additives or recrystallization operations, grain sizes of less than 100 µm cannot be obtained [36] . Powder sintering is favored by Si (500 ppm at 950-1,000 ˚C). On the other hand, high-purity powders (> 99.9%) are difficult to sinter.