Compound micro powder is made up of atoms of different elements, joined together by chemical bonds. A compound micropowder synthesis usually involves the breaking of existing bonds and the formation of new ones. Synthesis of a complex molecule may involve a considerable number of individual reactions leading in sequence from available starting materials to the desired end product. Each step usually involves reaction at only one chemical bond in the molecule.

Compound micropowders possesses great properties such as high strength, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and hydrogen storage capability. Among various compound micro powders, Ti-Cr based micro powders have one of the most promising properties and are mostly popular owing to their capacity of hydrogen storage, high temperature oxidation, and scaling resistance.

Iron aluminides based compound micro powders are candidates for a variety of structural applications. The combination of low density, excellent oxidation and sulfidation resistance, and lack of strategic alloying elements makes these alloys particularly attractive. A variety of fabrication methods have been employed in the study of intermetallic compounds; powder metallurgy processing is becoming increasingly important for obtaining desirable microstructures, improved properties, and near net shape manufacturing capabilities.

A compound micro powder processing method approach, known as reaction sintering, combustion synthesis, or self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, utilizes an exothermic reaction between powder constituents to synthesize compounds. Process advantages include the use of inexpensive and easily compacted elemental powders, low processing temperatures, short processing times, and considerable flexibility in terms of compositional and microstructural control.

In compound micropowders one of the possible and promising methods of improving the physical and mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, durability, and specific electrical and thermal properties) of compound micro powder is the introduction of micro- and nanoparticles of oxides (nitrides, borides, and carbides) into the melt with subsequent solidification. Methods of production of nonmetallic micro- and nanoparticles can significantly affect morphology and physical properties of nanopowders. Thus, the particle structure, phase composition, and morphology are to be studied carefully in order to assure the properties of compound micro powder produced using these particles.