Meaning
Interfacial cohesive forces define the energy required to expand the surface area of a liquid metal during the atomization process. High molten alloy surface tension resists the breakup of the melt stream into fine droplets when contacted by high velocity gas. This resistance results in larger average powder sizes and increases the gas pressure required to achieve the target d50.
Sourcing teams use this property to evaluate the processability of different cathode precursor alloys.
Liquid Behavior
High surface tension causes the liquid stream to resist deformation, which delays the onset of atomization. This delay leads to the formation of larger ligaments.
Droplet Formation
Once the stream breaks up, surface tension pulls the liquid fragments into spherical shapes before they solidify. This spheroidization process is necessary for high flowability powders.
Quality Parameter
Adding specific alloying elements can lower the surface tension, which improves the yield of fine powders. This modification optimizes the energy efficiency of the atomizer.
