the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for economic treatment of geldhart class c or larger substrate powders of single or plural metal , ceramic , or polymeric materials . in particular , the present invention is directed to coating such powder via a fluidized cvd or pvd , electroless , electrochemical , or solution chemistry plating process , and provides processes and apparatus for accomplishing same . it is particularly suited to coating with single or plural layers of metal , ceramic , binder , sintering aid , or polymer onto such materials without agglomeration . the coated particles and products made therefrom exhibit novel physical properties that are not limited by classical chemical and thermodynamic constraints .