Deagglomeration of nanoparticle clusters using the Ytron ZC1 in-line rotor-stator

Introduction Nanoparticles are increasingly used in novel formulations due to the resulting superior properties and performance. The intermediate or final product may be in the form of a nanoparticulate dispersion, in which case achieving a fine and stable dispersion is a key process target. Whilst powder incorporation can be achieved using a stirred tank, the subsequent stage of deagglomeration typically requires a more power intensive device, such as an in-line rotor-stator. In this project, the dispersion performance of an in-line rotor-stator, Ytron ZC1, which can be used for both powder addition directly into the rotor-stator head and potentially for deagglomeration, has been investigated. Power characteristics, suction performance^[1] and incorporation^[2] have been the subject of previous presentations. The part of the study presented here had the objective of establishing the deagglomeration performance of the YtronZC1 in-line rotor-stator. The effects of power input, residence time, powder concentration and gap width in the teeth on the mechanism and kinetics of deagglomeration have been investigated.