Abstract
Oxidation behavior and microstructural characteristics of nano-sized Sn powder were studied. DTA-TG analysis showed that the Sn powder exhibited an endothermic peak at $227^{\circ}C$ and exothermic peak at $560^{\circ}C$ with an increase in weight. Based on the phase diagram consideration of Sn-O system and XRD analysis, it was interpreted that the first peak was for the melting of Sn powder and the second peak resulted from the formation of $SnO_2$ phase. Microstructural observation revealed that the $SnO_2$ powder, heated to $1000^{\circ}C$ under air atmosphere, consisted of agglomerates with large particle size due to the melting of Sn powder during heat treatment. Finally, fine $SnO_2$ powders with an average size of 50nm can be fabricated by controlled heat treatment and ultrasonic milling process.