The CIP technology

How is carbonyl iron powder manufactured?

The production process of carbonyl iron powder (CIP) was discovered by BASF in 1925. CIP is produced by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)5), which is previously distilled to high purity. The result is a wide selection of hard and soft, coated and uncoated varieties of carbonyl iron powder, which may be used in inductive components, metal powder injection molding, or diamond tools.

Benefits and properties of CIP

Due to its unique properties, BASF carbonyl iron powder is the optimum solution for many applications.

The exceptionally fine spherical shape leads to improved compacting and sintering properties, which are essential for diamond tools and metal powder injection molding. The outstanding magnetization characteristics of CIP make it suitable for the production of inductive electronic components, magnetorheological fluids and magnetic inks. With its unique microstructure, it is a good absorber of microwave frequencies and can be used for a range of technologies from satellite TV to mobile phones. The high purity of BASF CIP allows its use as a source of iron in nutritional supplements.

Characteristics of BASF carbonyl iron powder

• Spherical particles of less than 10 micrometers with defined size distribution

• Excellent compacting and sintering properties

• Unique electromagnetic properties

• Outstanding microwave and radar absorption

• Very high quality consistency from batch to batch

• High chemical purity