Dispersion of TiO2 nanopowders to obtain homogeneous nanostructured granules by spray-drying

This work deals with the dispersion and stabilisation of nanosized TiO2 particles in an aqueous medium as a first step in the preparation of spray-dried nanostructured powders. A colloidal route leading to the production of titania nanostructured feedstocks to obtain nanostructured powders was developed. The process was based on the production of homogeneous and concentrated TiO2 nanosuspensions dispersed in deionised water with a suitable control of pH and the use of an appropriate anionic dispersant. Concentrated suspensions could be obtained by mixing with an ultrasounds probe at different times depending on the dispersing conditions. Homogeneous suspensions prepared were then reconstituted by spray drying into free-flowing powders with an adequate granule size distribution for diverse purposes, such as atmospheric plasma spraying coatings. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.