FIELD: production of flocculent tantalum powder used in manufacture of capacitors. SUBSTANCE: powder is produced by grinding and deformation of particles to impart flocculent shape to them. Flocculent particles are ground without significant sharpening of periphery edges to attain average size of particles from 2 to about 55 micrometers and with specific surface area of about from 0.5 to 5.0 sq.m/g. In this case it is desired that average size of particles and surface area are taken such as to obtain floccules characterized by length-thickness ratio from 2 to 50. Tantalum powder is also produced by chemical reduction or from ingot. Prior to grinding, flocculent particles are subjected to embrittlement. Flocculent particles are additionally sintered and then pressed in the form of tablets. EFFECT: higher efficiency. 20 cl, 8 dwg, 1 tbl
