FIELD: metallurgy.
SUBSTANCE: invention refers to production of powders of valve metals, particularly to niobium and tantalum powders. Powders of oxides of corresponding valve metals are reduced by means of vaporous reducing metals and/or their hydrides, preferably at presence of inert gas-carrier. Reduction is carried out at partial pressure of reducing metal/metal hydride from 5 to 110 gPa and general pressure less 1000 gPa. Tantalum powder with specific surface 0.9-6 m2/g w reveals stability of agglomerates determined as ratio D50-value according to ASTM B 822 and value D50uv less, than 2, is more preferable; less, than 1.7, the most preferable, less, than 1.5 measured after ultrasonic treatment.
EFFECT: production of powder possessing high stability of agglomerates.
14 cl, 2 tbl, 4 dwg, 16 ex
