Effect of process parameters on the morphology and size of spray-dried granule powder for fabrication of SiAlON raw material

SiAlON-based ceramics are some of the most typical ceramic materials used as cutting tools for HRSA(Heat Resistant Super-Alloys). SiAlON can be fabricated using ceramic processing, such as mixing, granulation, compaction, and sintering. Spray drying is a widely-used method for producing a granular powder of controlled morphology and size with flowability. In this study, we report a systematic investigation aimed at optimizing spherical granule morphology by controlling spray-drying parameters such as gas flow and feed rate. Before spray drying, the viscosities of the raw material slurries were also optimized with the amount of dispersant added.