Introduction of spheroidization technology (carbon anode graphite)

Carbon-based materials are currently the major materials of anode in lithium-ion batteries. Its performance has a direct impact on the cost, quality, and safety of the batteries. Alongside raw materials and process formulas, providing stable, efficient and energy-efficient technology for grinding, spheroidizing, shaping and classifying of carbon graphite is also important.

  • GrindingGrinding
    Both natural and artificial graphite need to be processed through several CSM710 units (name varies from different manufacturers) in order to achieve an end product of D50:20 μm powder. Depending on source material, the time of grinding cycles required may vary; for instance, large-flake natural graphite typically requires between 4 to 6 cycles, whereas the same process for artificial graphite will usually take between 1 to 3 cycles.
  • SpheroidizationSpheroidization
    Typically, a CSM410 combined with a horizontal, high-precision turbine classifier is the desired setup for powder formation. The classifier is used to discharge the fine powder product during modification. Different raw materials require different formation cycles, with natural graphite generally requiring 8-12 cycles and artificial graphite calls for 2-4 cycles.
Spheroidizing process of natural flake graphite
  • Spheroidizing process of natural flake graphite
  • Spheroidizing process of natural flake graphite

The raw materials are ground to an ultrafine powder by use of a single CSM710 special mill, reducing the average powder size to D50:21-23 μm. Spheroidized graphite particles with a particle size of 1920 μm (D50) are prepared by a process that a CSM510 spheroidizing machine is matched with a FW260 high-efficiency classifier unit, and the spheroidized graphite particles enter the CSM410 spheroidizing machine matched with the FW230 high-efficiency classifier unit through airflow conveying to become potato-shaped graphite particles with the particle size of 15-17 μm (D50);

Spheroidizing process of artificial graphite
  • Spheroidizing process of artificial graphite
  • Spheroidizing process of artificial graphite

Raw materials are evenly fed into the CSM710 special mill single tandem unit to produce ultra-fine powders with a particle size of D50: 23-25 μm, before fed into the next process of spheroidization. Then, CSM510 spheroidizing machines and FW260 high-efficiency classifiers were used together to prepare graphite powders with a particle size of D50: 19-21 μm. Finally, special surface modification and shaping equipment for graphite created qualified potato-shaped spheroidized graphite materials.
Particle sizes of each process in graphite spheroidization
  • Graphite carbon raw materialGraphite carbon raw material
  • After Model 710 grindingAfter Model 710 grinding
  • After Model 510 spheroidizationAfter Model 510 spheroidization
  • After Model 410 shapingAfter Model 410 shaping
Application of Spherical Powders

Spherical powder has gained wide acceptance due to its superior characteristics, making it a valuable choice for a variety of technology, product, and process applications.

  • Application of Spherical Silica Powder Spherical silica powder is currently commonly used in packing large-scale integrated circuits and is increasingly being incorporated in advanced industries like aviation, aerospace, fine chemicals, and specialized ceramics. An essential element in epoxy resin systems, this powder can reduce material consumption by at least 30%, thus offering great potential in the market.
  • Advantages of Spherical Silica Powder 1) Good surface fluidity, allowing for an increased amount of powders in the packaging of integrated circuits which leads to a smaller thermal expansion coefficient, improved dielectric capability, longer service life and enhanced performance of the produced electronic device. 2) The plastic packaging produced after spheroidization leads to reduced stress concentration and increased yield, shortening the production period and reducing the odds of product damage when being transported. 3) Uniform surface appearance, reducing wear on the die during production and post-processing, thereby lowering costs and increasing the service life of the die.
  • Application of High Performance Spherical Titanium Powder Titanium powder is increasingly being used in the powder metallurgy industry due to its impressive mechanics, resistance to corrosion and thermal stability. High performance spherical titanium powder is one of the more popular varieties and has a number of desirable characteristics. These include high sphericity, consistent particle size distribution, malleability, plasticity, and tensile strength. This form of titanium powder is particularly useful for high-precision applications as it provides consistent compaction, higher accuracy and repeatable results.
  • Application of Spherical Metal Powder Spherical metal powder is the essential ingredient when manufacturing products with metal 3D printing. As this technology continues to rapidly advance, the market for spherical metal powder can be expected to remain dynamic and highly profitable. In 2016, the industry as a whole was worth an estimated 250 million US Dollars.
  • Application of Spherical Alumina The spherical micropowder has good press forming and sintering characteristics, making it an excellent choice for manufacturing high-quality ceramic products. Can be used as a grinding and polishing material to avoid scratches. In the petrochemical industry, spherical alumina powder can be employed to regulate the pore size and its distribution of catalyst-carrier particles by adjusting the size of the particles. Using spherical alumina as a catalyst can reduce abrasion and increase the durability of the catalyst, helping to reduce production costs.
ALPA is a highly respected name in particle and powder processing, transforming the way the industry views traditional powder processing. Our research and development initiatives have focused on dry grinding, classification and separation, powder shape control and surface modification of particles and powders over the past two decades. As a result, we are proficient in providing tailored, CE-certified products, such as air jet mills, mechanical mills, air classifiers, ball mill with classifier, surface modification lines and more.
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    1. Drying & Dispersing
    2. Drying & Dispersing The usage of powder products used in food, medicine, fertilizer, pesticide and other industries is sometimes hindered by the caking during transportation and storage.
    1. Dry Grinding
    2. Dry GrindingIn dry grinding machines, the material usually makes contact and collides with other particles or the rotor in a confined area until it is reduced to the desired size. Dry milling can reduce particles to micron-level dimensions.
    1. Classifying & Separating
    2. Classifying & Separating Classification and separation involve the sorting of particles according to their size. This is done by subjecting them to centrifugal force, gravity, inertial force and other forces in a medium such as air.