Steppe Metal Powder announces winners of research competition for copper alloy powder applications
July 19, 2023
The winners of COPREX, a research competition sponsored by Steppe Metal Powder (SMP), based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, have been announced. The purpose of the competition, which concluded on June 20, 2023, was to identify new product ideas and research that could be applied to copper and copper alloy powder.
Some twenty research topics were submitted to the competition. After shortlisting, the judges selected ten applicants who were advanced to the final stage and gave a detailed presentation of their proposal. The panel of judges then assessed the entries based on creativity, technical skills, commercial viability and the applicants presentation skills.
The winners of COPREX were:
- E Enkhmaa – Results of a technological trial to develop a new composite material with copper matrix
- L Telmenbayar – Technological study on producing copper filter material using spark plasma sintering
- A Amarjargal – Nanofiber membrane containing copper powder and its biomedical applications
- B Amgalan – Producing spherical powder from water atomised copper powder by using planetary mill
Established in 2017, SMP is Mongolia’s first metal powder production plant. It produces high-grade water atomised copper and copper alloy powder sourced from Achit Ikht, a long-time member of the London Metal Exchange (LME). SMP’s clients use its bronze, copper and brass powders in a multitude of applications including brake pads, self lubricating bearings, welding and brazing electrodes, and carbon brushes.