Controlling cohesive particle mixing and segregation.

Abstract

We observe experimentally that particle systems that would otherwise mix can be made to segregate and vice versa simply by adding moisture. Using a newly developed theoretical approach, we generate phase diagrams that exhibit both mixed and segregated phases and show how the location of phase boundaries may be manipulated via modifying the mechanical and surface properties of the particles. These results have implications for industrial mixing/separation processes as well as novel particle production methods (e.g., engineered agglomerates with precisely prescribed compositions).