Tailoring hydroxyapatite microspheres by spray-drying for powder bed fusion feedstock

The present work deals with a study on the physical characteristics of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite microspheres produced by spray-drying process through different operating conditions. Obtained are intended to be used as powder feedstock in bed selective laser processing additive manufacturing technologies where flowability and particle size distribution special importance. powders at parameters were evaluated analysing size, shape, moisture, agglomerates strength. Spray air pressure (0.25–2 bars) solid content slurries (10–50% wt.) most influent control final distribution, whereas higher recovery rate (79%) was obtained specific values inlet temperature (250 °C), spray (2 bar), feed (4.9 kg.h?1). A 5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol an organic binder ceramic part found increase strength granules. (x50 = 64 ?m; span 1.77) fulfil defined requirements (e.g., Hausner ratio < 1.25), without alteration physico-chemical properties material. These promising results confirm use dryer efficient method for production processing.