MODELING THE SYNTHESIS OF ALUMINUM PARTICLES BY EVAPORATION-CONDENSATION IN AN AEROSOL FLOW REACTOR

A simple model for ultrafine particle synthesis by evaporation-condens ation in aerosol reactors is presented. Neglecting the spread of the s ize distribution, the model accounts for particle nucleation, condensa tion and coagulation at non-isothermal conditions. The performance of the model with respect to the prediction of the average particle size is thoroughly evaluated by comparing it against more accurate but elab orate models in the literature. The model is applied to synthesis of a luminum powders by evaporation-condensation. It is quantitatively show n that production of powders with high specific surface area and subse quently ultrafine particle size is favored using high cooling rate, lo w evaporation temperature, low system pressure or low metal vapor conc entration. These model predictions are in agreement with experimental data in the literature as well as with our data.