Method of making ceramic microspheres

US5240654A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Comalco Aluminum Limited · AU

Inventors

• Thomas K. Smith · Forsayth, AU
• Raymond Walter Shaw · New Gisborne, AU
• Christopher J. Heathcock · Melbourne, AU
• Leslie C. Edwards · Melbourne, AU
• Malcolm J. Couper · Ennetbaden, CH
• Kenong Xia · Melbourne, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 23, 1992
• Grant date: Aug 31, 1993
• Expiry date: Sep 23, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C22C32/0089
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A calcined microsphere of ultrafine bauxite particles having a mean particle size in the range 0.01 to 0.3 micrometers, said microsphere having a particle size less than 30 micrometers and being characterized by a substantially solid form having a pycnometric density substantially falling in the range 3.2-3.0 g/cm.sup.3, a BET surface area substantially falling in the range 0.05 to 0.5 m.sup.2 /g and a crystal grain size less than 4 micrometers, the surface chemistry of the microsphere being modified to enhance the wettability of the microsphere and to improve its ability to bond strongly with matrix materials in use.