Morphology Of Powder Particles Research Articles

Hydrothermal synthesis of regular and flaky gold particles for printed electronics

In this study, the gold precursors were rapidly reduced by hydroxy compound and micron-sized flaky gold powder was obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Isopropyl alcohol was selected as solvent and reducing agent after investigating the effect of reducing agent on the morphology of the gold powder. The influence of reaction concentration and temperature on the particle size and morphology of gold powder were researched. By controlling the reaction concentration and temperature, the prepared gold particles have regular flaky structure with the diameter of about 5 μm and the sintered gold conductor paste shows excellent conductivity and sintering density.

Comprehensive investigation of recycled PVC powder.

This study constitutes a comprehensive investigation centred on comprehending the behaviour and characteristics of recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powders. The overarching objective is to successfully conclude the initial research phase, during which PVC-coated fabric offcuts undergo a transformation into PVC powder while achieving complete separation from polyethylene terephthalate fibres. The study entails a qualitative description of the morphology of PVC powder particles, employing an optical microscope to distinguish the diverse shapes exhibited by these particles. The optical microscope observations of PVC powder reveal a distinct array of non-spherical particles characterized by flat, elongated shapes. These high-magnification images unveil the intricate morphological features of the particles, highlighting their irregular shapes. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis of PVC particle size distribution is performed, comparing results from optical microscopy with those obtained through mechanical sieving. The qualitative and quantitative findings obtained provide robust evidence supporting the correlation and confirm that most particles are smaller than 600 µm (93.6%) using an optical microscope and the sieving process (96.39%). The greatest fraction (83.44%) is in the size range between 200 and 600 µm. Assessing flowability, another significant aspect in the evaluation of powders, provides insights into its behaviour and interparticle interactions. The flowability results indicate a Compressibility Index of approximately 26.84%, which suggests poor flowability. This means that the powder is likely to encounter difficulties in flowing freely. This finding is in line with the Hausner ratio, which measures 1.37. This investigation of recycled PVC powder will offer insights into the potential applications and processing considerations of this powder. More concretely, the use of recycled PVC powder shows promise as a viable alternative to conventional PVC resin in plastisol formulations, offering the potential to maintain the properties of the final PVC product without adverse effects.

Analysis of the Particle Size and Morphology of Tin Powder Synthesized by the Electrolytic Method.

This article discusses the effect of electrolysis parameters on the particle size and morphology of the tin powder synthesized by the electrolytic method. The electrolytic method is simple and can eliminate the risk of lead and arsenic gas emissions owing to the low temperature of the process. The effects of tin concentration in a sulfate-based electrolyte, a mass ratio of thiourea/gelatin as additives, current density, and electrolysis time on the particle size and morphology of the synthesized tin powder were examined. Pure tin and titanium plates were used as the anode and the cathode, respectively. After the electrolysis experiments were completed, the synthesized tin powders were analyzed by a particle size analyzer, a scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. The optimum condition of the experiment that resulted in the highest D90 was achieved at an initial concentration of SnSO4 = 3 g/L, a mass ratio of thiourea/gelatin = 1/4, a current density of 1 A/dm2, and a 10 min electrolysis time. Under this condition, 90% of the tin powder size obtained was smaller than 2.279 μm, showing a rounded morphology with a length-to-width ratio of 1.15. The current efficiency increased with increasing tin concentration, decreasing current density, and a shorter electrolysis time.

Effect of heat treatment on the particle size, shape and morphology of uranium deuteride powder

The influence of heat treatment on the geometric properties of UD3 powder (particles shape, size distribution and morphology) during hydriding-dehydriding were investigated. >95% of the UD3 particles synthesized by once hydriding of uranium were composed of primary particles not exceeding 38 μm. About 63% of primary particles had aspect ratios between 1.4–2.2. Particles prepared under heating conditions exhibited smooth surfaces and columnar structures on their sides. As the starting temperature of hydriding reaction decreased, the proportion of fine particles (<10 μm) in the powder increased. During the deuterium absorption-desorption, primary particles gradually broke down into small particles, which further adhered and aggregated into agglomerates by heat treatment. Agglomerates were consisted of cauliflower-like clusters, and their growth were random and non-oriented. The primary particles and/or agglomerates with aspect ratios between 1.4–2.2 always accounted for about 63%. Agglomerates exceeding 38 μm in multiple thermal cycles were very rare.

Factors affecting particle characterization of powders used in additive manufacturing

The present study analyze the effects of sample preparation and data analysis techniques for different experimental methods of metal powder characterization. The aim is to propose a robust strategy for quantifying powder particle size distribution and morphology of relevance for metal additive manufacturing (MAM) processes, in particular for powders with nearly spherical particle shape. Laser diffraction (LD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) are used to analyze three different stainless-steel 316L powders. The results obtained demonstrate that the powder sample itself and the sample preparation, both have a significant effect on the obtained values. For the imaging processing methods, the post-processing route is an important part of the characterization and strongly affects the results. However, proper sample preparation is shown to ease this post-processing. Given the high sphericity of the powders used, it is shown that 2D and 3D methods generally lead to the same result when the 2D data are properly transformed to 3D space. Guidelines to overcome the shortcomings of the different techniques are suggested.

STRUCTURE, OPTICAL PROPERTIES AND PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVIYY OF UNDOPED, La2O3-DOPED ZnO NANOCOMPOSITES

La-doped ZnO nanocomposites with di­ffe­rent content of La2O3 (1–5%) were obtained by the Pechini method from their nitrate solutions. The solutions of Zn2+ and La3+ nitrates were preliminary obtained by dissolving of zinc and lanthanum oxides with a content of the main component of 99.99% in nitric acid. The influence of lanthanum doping the on the microstructure, morphology, optical pro­perties and photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanopowders were examined. The properties of the nanopowders were studied by using X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The samples were subjected to X-ray powder diffraction using a DRON-3 diffractometer (Cu-K radiation) at room temperature. The scan angle was 0.05–0.1 ° in the range 2 = 15–90 °. X-ray phase ana­lysis confirms the formation of single phase of La2O3-doped ZnO powders on diffractograms. Raman light scattering and photoluminescence spectra were recorded using a Horiba Jobin‑Yvon T64000 spectrometer equipped with a CCD detector at room temperature in the inverse scattering geometry. According to SEM results, the powders characterized a conglomerate structure. The undoped ZnO has an average particle size of 43 nm, while the average particle size of La3+-doped ZnO ranges from 64 to 80 nm. It was established that the morphology of powder particles primarily depends on the content of La3+ in the material. An increase in the amount of La3+ in zinc oxide leads to an increase in the specific surface area (from 3.8 to 11.8 m2/g). In the photoluminescence spectra of ZnO powders, with increasing La2O3 concentration, bands at 400 nm are observed due to the appearance of impurities that cause of interstitial zinc and zinc vacancy defects and their broade­ning with a shift to the long-wave region. Photocatalytic properties of ZnO pow­ders doped with lanthanum oxide were in­vestigated using Methyl Orange as a model dye under Osram Ultra-Vitalux lamp (300 W) irradiation. A present result indicates that the obtained powders are potential candidate for the practical application in photocatalysis.

Regulation of particle size and morphology of tungsten powders in bottom-blowing hydrogen reduction process

Particle size and morphology of tungsten powders determine the processing properties of tungsten products. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the partial pressure of water vapor is an essential factor to regulate the hydrogen reduction of tungsten oxides. The investigation proposed a method of changing the particle size of tungsten powders by bottom blowing hydrogen pretreated by water bath at various temperatures. The experimental results manifested that the bottom-blowing hydrogen could eliminate discrepancies of the water vapor partial pressure in the solid powder layers, thus improving the uniformity of the tungsten powders in a crucible. The partial pressure of water vapor increased with temperatures of water bath increasing. As the water bath temperature raised from 50 °C to 80 °C, the average particle size of tungsten powders increased significantly from 3.8 μm to 12.0 μm. Chemical vapor transport was responsible for the increase in the average particle size of tungsten powders under the higher partial pressure of water vapor. In addition, the oxygen content of tungsten powders produced remained relatively stable at a lower level with the partial pressure of the water vapor increasing. This study provided theoretical foundation and technological reference for preparing the tungsten powders with superior properties (desirable homogeneity in the particle size and shape and low oxygen content).

Influence of doping concentration and annealing temperature on the structure, particle morphology, and luminescent properties of powders and pulsed laser deposited thin films of bismuth-doped lanthanum gallate

Bi3+ doped LaGaO3 powders and thin films were grown via citric acid sol-gel combustion method and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique, respectively. X-ray diffraction data confirmed crystallization of the orthorhombic LaGaO3 phase. Inductive coupled plasma spectroscopy data indicated that some Bi3+ ions evaporated at temperatures exceeding 800 °C during thermal treatment. The highest photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) emissions with a peak stabilized at 370 nm were observed from La1-x GaO3:Bi3+x=0.003 powders annealed at 1200 °C. The PL and CL emission spectra of La1-x GaO3:Bi3+x=0.003 PLD thin films were similar to those of the powder samples. The effect of Bi3+ concentration and annealing temperature on the properties of powders and thin films is discussed.

Modelling the influences of powder layer depth and particle morphology on powder bed fusion using a coupled DEM-CFD approach

Optimising the quality of metal parts produced by additive manufacturing requires an understanding of how the powder characteristics impact both layer spreading and the subsequent powder melting. Here we present a simulation study which couples models of powder spreading (by the Discrete Element Method) and powder bed fusion by laser beam (by CFD). Previous simulations of these processes have mostly assumed idealised smooth surfaces, spherical particles and a single laser track. Here we seek a more realistic description by spreading over a previously-melted (rough) surface and by melting a number of tracks laid side-by-side to mimic the crosshatched scans typically used during part production. The effects of powder morphology (via a range of particle shapes including spheres, disks, ellipsoids and cuboids) and layer depth on spreading and subsequent melting have been investigated. We find that the fraction of laser energy transferred to the part and the melt pool volume both increase rapidly with the volume of powder deposited, due to the combined effects of multiple laser reflections and the insulating nature of the powder layer. In contrast, particle shape has very little effect on the overall melting behaviour of the powder, with the volume deposited and uniformity of coverage being the key determining factors. These observations suggest that the use of cheaper non-spherical powders is feasible provided that a sufficiently uniform coverage can be achieved at small layer depths.

Comparative Evaluation of the Powder and Tableting Properties of Regular and Direct Compression Hypromellose from Different Vendors.

Hypromellose, a widely used polymer in the pharmaceutical industry, is available in several grades, depending on the percentage of substitution of the methoxyl and hydroxypropyl groups and molecular weight, and in various functional forms (e.g., suitable for direct compression tableting). These differences can affect their physicomechanical properties, and so this study aims to characterise the particle size and mechanical properties of HPMC K100M polymer grades from four different vendors. Eight polymers (CR and DC grades) were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy automated image analysis particle characterisation to examine the powder's particle morphology and particle size distribution. Bulk density, tapped density, and true density of the materials were also analysed. Flow was determined using a shear cell tester. Flat-faced polymer compacts were made at five different compression forces and the mechanical properties of the compacts were evaluated to give an indication of the powder's capacity to form a tablet with desirable strength under specific pressures. The results indicated that the CR grades of the polymers displayed a smaller particle size and better mechanical properties compared to the DC grade HPMC K100M polymers. The DC grades, however, had better flow properties than their CR counterparts. The results also suggested some similarities and differences between some of the polymers from the different vendors despite the similarity in substitution level, reminding the user that care and consideration should be given when substitution is required.

Enhanced powder dispersion of dual-excipient spray-dried powder formulations of a monoclonal antibody and its fragment for local treatment of severe asthma

The advent of biologics has brought renewed hope for patients with severe asthma, a condition notorious for being hampered by poor response to conventional therapies and adverse drug reactions owing to corticosteroid dependence. However, biologics are administered as injections, thereby precluding the benefits inhalation therapy could offer such as increased bioavailability at the site of action, minimal systemic side effects, non-invasiveness, and self-administration. Here, 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and ʟ-leucine were co-spray-dried, as protein stabiliser and dispersion enhancer, respectively, at various weight ratios to produce a series of formulation platforms. Powder aerosolisation characteristics and particle morphology were assessed for suitability for pulmonary delivery. The selected platform with the best aerosol performance, a 1:1 ratio of the excipients, was then incorporated with a monoclonal antibody directed against IL-4 receptor alpha or its antigen-binding fragment. The dual-excipient antibody formulations exhibited emitted fraction of at least 80% and fine particle fraction exceeding 60% in cascade impactor study, while the residual moisture content was within a desirable range between 1% and 3%. The in vitro antigen-binding ability and inhibitory potency of the spray-dried antibody were satisfactorily preserved. The results from this study corroborate the viability of inhaled solid-state biomacromolecules as a promising treatment approach for asthma.

Preparation of Spherical Ultrafine Silver Particles Using Y-Type Microjet Reactor.

Herein, micron-sized silver particles were prepared using the chemical reduction method by employing a Y-type microjet reactor, silver nitrate as the precursor, ascorbic acid as the reducing agent, and gelatin as the dispersion at room temperature (23 °C ± 2°C). Using a microjet reactor, the two reaction solutions collide and combine outside the reactor, thereby avoiding microchannel obstruction issues and facilitating a quicker and more convenient synthesis process. This study examined the effect of the jet flow rate and dispersion addition on the morphology and size of silver powder particles. Based on the results of this study, spherical and dendritic silver particles with a rough surface can be prepared by adjusting the flow rate of the reaction solution and gelatin concentration. The microjet flow rate of 75 mL/min and the injected gelatin amount of 1% of the silver nitrate mass produced spherical ultrafine silver particles with a size of 4.84 μm and a tap density of 5.22 g/cm3.

Effect of annealing conditions on the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of a nanopowder based on Fe2TiO5

The current research deals with the urgent task of creating highly efficient photocatalysts for wastewater treatment from various organic pollutants. For these purposes, we carried out a mechanochemical synthesis, heat treatment, and study of a non-toxic, thermally and chemically stable catalysts with a heterostructure based on Fe2TiO5 pseudobrookite. The morphology and the properties of the as-prepared composites were characterized through different techniques. The chemical reactions occurring during the step-by-step heat treatment of the samples were proposed using info from XRD analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and mass spectra. The influence of the gaseous medium on the phase composition and the degree of crystallinity of materials has been established. The analysis of the elemental composition and morphology of powder particles was carried out at an annealing temperature in the range from 100 to 1000 °C in air. The photocatalytic activity of pseudobrookite was studied during the decomposition of the organic dye Rhodamine B, and the mechanism of photocatalysis associated with the absorption of photons and the formation of an electron-hole pair was considered. It was found that samples thermally treated in nitrogen were demonstrated greater catalytic activity than those treated in air.

Karakterizacija prevlake cirkonijum oksida stabilizovanog cerijum i itrijum oksidom deponovane na veznoj prevlaci nikl hrom aluminijum kobalt itrijum oksid

Zirconium dioxide ZrO2 is used as a basic material for thermal barriers and as a biomaterial for manufacturing parts for hip implants in orthopedic surgery and in dentistry for making crowns. Use of ZrO2 ceramics as an insulating material and biomaterial is due to its good chemical and dimensional stability, mechanical strength, toughness and elastic modulus. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of zirconium oxide coating of stabilized cerium and yttrium oxide deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) process on the bond coating of nickel chromium cobalt yttrium oxide. Coatings were deposited on cold substrates and on substrates preheated to 180°C. Composite powder nickel chromium/aluminum/cobalt/yttrium oxide was used for the production of bond layers and for the ceramic layers zirconium oxide stabilized with cerium and yttrium oxide powder. Testing the quality of coatings was done by measuring microhardness of layers using the HV method and for bond tensile strength of the coating system tensile testing was applied. Metallographic evaluation of the share of pores in the bond and ceramic layers was performed with image analysis - processing of images from a light microscope. Powder particle morphology and EDS analysis were performed on the SEM. The obtained results confirm that the preheating temperature of the substrate has a significant impact on structural mechanical properties of the tested coatings system.

Quality Diagnostics of Parts Produced by Combined Additive Manufacturing Technology

The work is focused on the combined process of obtaining bimetallic parts that involve laser-directed energy deposition (LDED) additive technology and the conventional casting process. In this research, molybdenum powder was deposited by LDED on a cast 25L steel substrate. The choice of materials is motivated by demands for replacing the traditional technique of brazing molybdenum with a copper interlayer on low-carbon steel to eliminate shortcomings. The influence of powder particle morphology on the quality of deposited layers was studied. Spherical molybdenum powder PMS-M99.9 facilitated stable deposition of good layers and was found to be suitable for the LDED. Quality diagnostics were performed by studying microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance properties. Preferential parameters of the LDED of molybdenum were found through parametrical analysis. Microstructural studies showed that LDED of PMS-M99.9 powder results in a homogeneous stable layer with a strong bond to the steel substrate, which was confirmed by mutual diffusion of Mo and Fe in the boundary. It is also demonstrated that the found working parameters of LDED assure high hardness, wear, and fretting wear resistance. The three studied coatings (LDED of powders PMS-M99.9 and PM-M; VM1 brazing) had the same friction coefficient value of ~0.25. Compared to others, PMS-M99.9 coating had the lowest volumetric wear, while abrasive wear was measured to be the highest.

Surface state change influence’s theoretical approach of pressed iron on hollow cathode discharge characteristics: first results of plasma heating reproducibility for sintering purposes

In this work first results of the plasma heating process reproducibility for sintering purposes of pressed iron powder sample was investigated analyzing changes on the current-voltage characteristics of pulsed direct current (dc) Ar + H2 hollow cathode discharges sequentially carried out. For this purpose, the temperature of a sample acting as central cathode was varied by changing the switched-on time (duty cycle) of the pulse, via plasma species bombardment (ions and fast neutrals), which typically occurs in both cathode cylindrical surfaces that constitute the annular (hollow cathode) glow discharge, and measured by a thermocouple inserted in the central cathode sample holder. After two sequential plasma heating experiments, the third one practically reproduced the measured plasma parameters evidenced in the second heating, and the respective heating curves as a function of the time have led to similar current-voltage characteristics suggesting the iron sample sintering in non-isothermal way. Principles comprising plasma-surface interface and metallurgical-physical-chemical reactions, powder surface aspects, thermodynamic properties, metallurgical transformation of the pressed sample, and hollow cathode discharge properties are presented and discussed. The main points considered in the present approach are related to plasma (oxygen-affected plasma ionization, high ionization and excitation rate, and the intense light radiation of the annular glow discharge), thermodynamics (oxidation-reduction reactions, electron work function, sintering driving force, and surface energy), and powder (particle size distribution, morphology, specific surface, and iron recrystallization). To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first time that it is brought to the light the changes on hollow cathode discharge characteristics while an iron sample acting as the central cathode of an annular glow discharge is subjected to distinct heating steps on the temperature range of 20 to ∼1250 °C, leading it to have its sintering initiated.

Effects of Processing Conditions on Powder Particle Size and Morphology in the Mechanical Milled H13 Alloy

Effects of Processing Conditions on Powder Particle Size and Morphology in the Mechanical Milled H13 Alloy

Multiple recycling of nickel alloy powder for selective laser melting process: influence on properties of the powder and printed material

PurposeThe purpose of this study is the 16-fold recycling process effect of VZH159 nickel alloy powder on its features and characteristics of the printed material obtained by selective laser melting (SLM). Chemical composition, content of gas impurities, powder grading, pore volume fraction and surface morphology of powder particles, structure and properties of SLM material, surface roughness and deviations from specified geometry of the test samples were investigated.Design/methodology/approachThe experiment’s method procedure presumes the use of only recycled powder without adding any virgin powder at each build cycle. To avoid powder sloughing because of incomplete filling of the build space, a print area delimiter was used. For all manufactured samples, hot isostatic pressing was carried out in an ASEA Quintus-16 facility. Heat treatment was carried out in air furnaces. Structure investigations were carried out on a Leica DMIRM metallographic complex. Microstructure studies were carried out on a Verios 460 scanning electron microscope with X-ray microanalysis.FindingsWith the number of recycling stages, an increase in oxygen content is observed in the powder, which leads to an increment for oxides in the printed material. The 16-fold recycling does not have a significant effect on the features of the powder itself and the printed material if the build space is filled with manufacturing parts by no more than 20%.Originality/valueThe creep rupture strength of the SLM material, which appears to be a sensitive characteristic to the quality of the applied powder, does not change in the printed material after all stages of powder recycling as well.

Distribution of surface components in spray-dried powder of binary system of berberine hydrochloride and dextran based on hydrodynamic size

The present study explored the correlation between the hydrodynamic size(i.e., hydrated particle size) and the surface component distribution of spray-dried powder based on the binary system model of berberine hydrochloride and dextran. A variety of mixture solutions containing substances of different proportions were prepared, and the hydrated particle sizes of the solutions were measured by laser light scattering technique. Then the effects of molecular weight and mixing proportion on the particle size were analyzed. After the solutions were spray-dried, the surface components of spray-dried powder were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The changes of hydrated particle size of the two substances in different solutions were measured with the altered solution environments, and the distribution of surface components after spray-drying was observed. The results of particle size measurement showed that different solution environments would change the hydrodynamic size of substances. Specifically, the particle size of berberine hydrochloride increased with the increase in ionic strength and solution pH, while the particle size of dextran decreased with the increase in ionic strength and increased with the increase in solution pH. The results of surface components of the spray-dried powder indicated that berberine hydrochloride was prone to accumulate on the surface of particles during spray-drying because of its large hydrodynamic size. Therefore, hydrodynamic size is considered an important factor affecting the surface component distribution of spray-dried powder. As revealed by scanning electron microscopy of the particle morphology of spray-dried powder, the particles of berberine hydrochloride spray-dried powder were irregularly elliptic, and the particles of dextran and mixture spray-dried powders were irregularly spherical with the shrunken surface. Finally, the FT4 powder rheometer and DVS instrument were used to determine the stability, adhesion, and hygroscopicity of the powder. The results showed that when berberine hydrochloride was enriched on the surface, the adhesion of the mixture increased and the fluidity became worse, but the hygroscopicity was improved to a certain extent. In addition, as found by hygroscopic kinetic curve fitting of spray-dried powder, the hygroscopic behaviors of all spray-dried powder conformed to the double exponential function.

Preparation of a UV Curable Coating Modified by Several Inorganic Particles

A UV curable coating modified by several inorganic particles was prepared and characterized. Several kinds of inorganic particles including glass powder, mica, alumina, talcum powder and polyimide were introduced to epoxy acrylate (EA) as fillers and mixed with reactive diluent, photoinitiators, and other additives to obtain an organic-inorganic ultraviolet (UV) curable coating. Different kinds of inorganic powders were mixed in proportion to the formula and ground in a ball mill for 16 h to obtain smaller particles. The particle size and morphology of inorganic powders were characterized by laser particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the particle size of inorganic powders was reduced effectively after ball-milled. The morphology of the synthesized UV curable organic-inorganic composite coating was observed, and the mechanical and thermal properties of the coating were tested. Pure organic EA coating without the addition of inorganic particles was also characterized as controls. The distribution of inorganic particles in the coating was homogeneous and the surface of the cured coating was smooth. The results of mechanical properties tests showed that the addition of inorganic particles improved the hardness of the coating, but the effect on adhesion and flexibility was not significant. And the TGA curves showed that the thermal stability of the coating modified by inorganic particles was significantly improved compared with the pure organic coating.