Production and Characterization of Aluminum Powders by Nozzle Design and Atomization Unit
This aim was realized by vertical gas atomization unit, a new a closely-matched nozzle system and manufacture. In the experimental studies, pure aluminium powders which has an important place in the automotive, air and defence industries were produced.
In the studies carried out with the Vertical Gas Atomization unit, aluminium was superheated up to 900°C and atomized at different gas pressures (20-30 bar). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and particle size measuring device were used for the characterization and size measurements of the produced powders, respectively. The average particle size of the finest powder produced with increasing atomization pressure was determined as d50=19.50µm. Aluminium powder shape and morphology was used as spherical and very little satellization was seen.
The method is based on the principle of giving shape to metal or alloy particulates under pressure and keeping them at a temperature below melting temperatures.
Atomization is defined as the breaking down of molten metal into very small droplets by water, air, and gas pressure or mechanically and then the solidification of it.
In this study, a pure aluminum material, which is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, was produced in spherical powder shape morphology by using the vertical gas atomization method.