(587c) Manufacturing Catalyst Carrier Tablets: Strength and Microcracks

Compacted aluminum oxide, or "Alumina" tablets, are commonly used as catalyst supports to facilitate efficient chemical processes. We investigated the effect of moisture content and drying conditions on various types of tablets and found that moisture in the tablet will affect the mechanical properties of the tablets. Mechanical properties of the tablets, such as hardness, Young's modulus, and tensile strength will improve if the moisture content and drying were properly controlled. Meanwhile, microcracks will form if the moisture content is high and drying was not properly controlled, and therefore undermine the mechanical properties.