Study and optimization of the drying process of a ceramic abrasive composite

Abstract

This study presents a methodology to evaluate the drying mechanism of grinding wheels production, along the depth of a specimen, during the drying thermal cycle. The thermal and moisture gradients along the specimens were determined. The adopted experimental methodology allows obtaining precise moisture contents along the cross section of a component. Results showed that two steps of drying are present and that the drying kinetics is affected by the compaction pressure, which in turn alters the open porosity level. A critical compression pressure (17-23MPa) was determined for the change on the drying characteristics, for the tested material.