Thermogravimetric analysis of organic binder segregation during drying of particulate suspensions

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate microstructural evolu tion and binder segregation during drying of particulate suspensions of sub micrometer alumina. The addition of 2 and 4 wt.% poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) binder decreased the evaporation rate by similar to 12 and similar to 20%, respectively, during the constant rate drying period. Increasing the PVA mo lecular weight (MW) extended the drying time also. At 4 wt.% addition, an a crylic emulsion binder did not affect the drying behavior but at 2 wt.% add ition, the initial evaporation rate decreased by approximately 24%. It is s hown that the TGA can be used to determine the drying stages of a particula te suspension during drying. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.