Granulation of Silicon Nitride Powders by Spray Drying: A Review

Abstract

Spray drying is a widely used method of converting liquid material (aqueous or organic solutions, emulsions and suspensions) into a dry powder. Good flowability, narrow size distribution, and controllable morphology are inherent in powders produced by spray drying. This review considers the granulation factors that influence the final properties of the silicon nitride dried powders. The first group includes the types of atomizers, manifolds, and drying chamber configurations. The process parameters fall into the second group and include the following: inlet temperature, atomizing air flow, feed flow rate, drying gas flow rate, outlet temperature, and drying time. Finally, the last group, feedstock parameters, includes many factors such as feed surface tension, feed viscosity, solvent type, solid particle concentration, and additives. Given the large number of factors affecting morphology, particle size and moisture, optimizing the spray drying process is usually achieved by the “trial and error” approach. Nevertheless, some factors such as the effect of a solvent, dispersant, binder, and sintering additives considered in the literature that affect the Si3N4 granulation process were reviewed in the work. By summarizing the data available on silicon nitride powder production, the authors attempt to tackle the problem of its emerging demand in science and industry.

Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid from Aqueous Solutions Using Al2O3/Graphene Oxide Granules Prepared by Spray-Drying Method

“…The technique provides a spherical shape to the particles that contributes to the adsorption process. Spray drying makes it possible to obtain granules ranging in size from several to tens of microns from highly dispersed and ultra-disperse ceramic powders from solutions or suspensions by drying [19]. Compared to other methods for obtaining carbon nanomaterials such as milling, sintering and crushing, the spray granulation method avoids the agglomeration of GO nanosheets and reduces damage to their structure [20].…”

Fabrication and Characterization of Granulated β-Tricalcium Phosphate and Bioactive Glass Powders by Spray Drying

“…It has some advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, mass production, and controllable morphology [22][23][24][25]. In addition, the resulting particles have a narrow size distribution and are spherical, microsphere, or granular in shape and are non-agglomerated [26]. There are two distinct groups of ceramic microspheres as follows: (i) those with dense and smooth granules with high density, specific surface area, and strong compatibility; (ii) those with hollow or porous granules with a high specific surface area [27].…”