Influence of different suspension properties on internal structure and deformation behavior of spray dried ceramic granules

Three different batches of ceramic alumina granules were produced using a spray dryer in laboratory scale. The suspensions containing identical solid contents and amounts of binders were modified by adding nitric acid to get different stabilized conditions. The granules were analyzed concerning micro and macro structural properties by image analysis on specially prepared granule cross-sections. The investigated structure parameters were correlated with the studied mechanical properties using a commercially granule strength tester. Different measured fracture forces were explained by varied macro structures (parameter H, amount of hollow and homogeneous granules and average shell thickness) as a result of modified suspension properties