INFLUENCE OF SLURRY PROPERTIES AND SPRAY DRYING PARAMETER ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF SPRAY DRIED CARBONATED APATITE GRANULES

Abstract

In the preparation of ceramic powder for forming processes such as spray drying, homogeneous dispersion of powder in an aqueous medium is essential. The particle should not settle fast under the effect of gravity but remain in suspension to avoid in homogeneities during forming. From this work the slurry properties with different percentage of solid content, dispersant and binder were studied and compared in terms of slurry viscosity and stability. It was observed that slurry at 70wt% solid content produced bigger and better segregated granules after spray drying than those at 40 wt% and 60 wt%. The control of compressor air pressure and inlet temperature was also studied on its effects to the morphology of the final product of the spray dried granules.