Industrial Implications of the Thermal Behaviour of Pseudoboehmite

Abstract

Pseudoboehmite powder is widely used as a precursor material for the manufacturing of shaped catalyst carriers.The conversion of pseudoboehmite to gamma alumina is determined to a large extent by the manufacturing route of the powder. Physical properties like particle size and shape, crystallinity, porosity, etc. have a distinct influence on the thermal behaviour. This thermal and physical characterization has allowed to translate basic powder properties into the industrial practice of catalyst carrier manufacturing. Unit operations as mix-mulling, extrusion, drying and calcination are clearly affected by powder characteristics.After processing, it provides unique properties as high surface area, porosity and strength.