Effect of internal binder on microstructure in compacts made from granules

This paper focuses on the influence of granule characteristics on the microstructure of the compact. Alumina granules were prepared with a poly-acryl acid (PAA) or a poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) as binders by a spray-drying method. Observation with a liquid immersion method shows a significant difference in the binder distribution. Very uniform and non-uniform distributions were noted for the PAA and PVA binders, respectively. PVA binder segregated at surface and subsurface of the granules. The compression strength and deformation behavior were examined on a single granule with a micro-compression testing machine. The granule with the PAA binder has a low yield stress. In the forming process, the relative density of the compact body started to increase at low pressure. Homogeneous internal structures were noted in the green compact at all pressures examined. The granule with PVA binder showed higher yield stress. The internal structure of the compact was inhomogeneous, and large interstices were often observed between granules in the green compact also. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.