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 Quality Control
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Ceralox operates an extensive quality control laboratory to test and evaluate all
incoming raw materials, monitor all steps of the manufacturing process and certify the
quality of its products. All products are shipped with a complete lot analysis specific to
the product and customer application. The Primary laboratory analytical tools used for
Quality assurance are:
- Chemistry: Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
- Surface area: BET
- Particle Size: Laser Light Scattering
- Crystalline Phase: X-ray Diffraction
Alumina powder is digested in acid using temperature and pressure (Parr Bombs). The
dissolved alumina is analyzed for impurities using a Leeman Labs, Inc., or a Jarrell Ash
inductively coupled plasma ICP instrument.
The method entails low temperature adsorption of nitrogen according to BET with either
single or multipoint surface area results. Alumina surface area is measured using a
Micromeritics® Gemini 2360.
Alumina particle size distribution is measured using a Horiba laser light scattering based analyzer.
Where applicable, particle size distribution is measured by screen (sieve) analysis using
a RoTap® shaker or a Sonic Sifter® .
Alumina crystal structure (phase) is determined by x-ray diffractometry using a
(formerly Siemens) Brucker Endeavor D4.
Alumina powder properties including loose and packed bulk density, angle of repose,
compressibility and flowability index are measured using a Hosokawa® Micron Powder
Tester.
Alumina Powder
Green and fired density, and linear shrinkage are determined by Alumina Ceramic
Manufacturing Association (ACMA) Test 6, ASTM C-363-72. Green density values are
determined on a 10-gram pellet, pressed at 5000 psi (34.47 MPa) in a 1-inch floating head
die. Fired density values are determined from a pellet sintered at 1510oC for 2
hours.
Alumina Spray Dried Powder
Green and fired density, and linear shrinkage are determined by Alumina Ceramic
Manufacturing Association (ACMA) Test 6, ASTM C-363-72. Green density values are
determined on a 10-gram pellet, pressed at 15,000 psi (103.41 MPa) in a 1-inch floating head
die. Fired density values are determined from a pellet sintered at 1510oC for 2
hours.
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