Optimizing the Structure of Spherical γ-Alumina Granules Prepared by Oil Drop Method

Synthesis method and forming parameters influence the structural properties of granules. In this paper, oil drop was used to synthesize spherical γ-alumina granules. Orthogonal matrix was applied in the Taguchi experimental design to investigate the effect of calcination temperature, additive percentage (PVA %), and column length of oil drop on the granule structures; including specific surface area, pore diameter, and pore volume. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of γ-alumina phase in the synthesized granules. According to the ANOVA, column length had the most significant effect on the specific surface area (61.7%), and on the pore volume of granules (82.4%). Additive percentage had the most significant effect on the pore diameter of γ-alumina granules (92.8%). Maximum responses were achieved by tuning the additive percentage, column length, and calcination temperature at 0%, 45 cm, and 500 °C, respectively.