| Abstract: | Turbidimetry has proved to be an efficient method for the quantitative study of powder agglomeration for particle sizes in the region of 1 μm. This work presents a new application of the technique for the agglomeration of α-alumina in water and in n-heptane. The method of determining the kinetic parameters of agglomeration from the initial time-evolution of turbidity is explained. Turbulent flow in the reactor has also been characterised by laser anemometry. From the turbulence intensity, the number of collisions per unit time is calculated and the agglomeration rate can therefore be determined. Good agreement is found between the values obtained respectively from turbidimetric and hydrodynamic measurements. Addition of KOH modifies the zeta potential of alumina in water and influences the agglomeration kinetics. This can also be quantitatively characterised by turbidimetry. The experimental results obtained for alumina particles of diameter 0.3 μm and 1 μm are interpreted according to the DLVO model of interaction between particles. |
