Preparation of high emissivity NiCr2O4 powders with a spinel structure by spray drying

Spray-drying was used to produce the high emissivity NiCr2O4 powders with a spinel structure. Preliminary investigations focused on fabricating the high emissivity powders for infrared radiation coatings and finding the relationship between microstructure and emissivity. The NiCr2O4 powders were characterized for composition, microstructure, and infrared emissivity by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared radiant instrument, and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). Thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis show that the appropriate baking temperature for NiCr2O4 powder preparation is about 1200 degrees C. The emissivity measurement and FT-IR spectra show that, because of the special spinel structure, the NiCr2O4 powders have a high emissivity about 0.91. Spray-drying is a suitable method to produce the high emissivity ceramic powders.