Processing of nanoenergetics with a fully-functional mini-twin screw extruder

Seher Ozkan, Dilhan Kalyon, James E. Kowalczyk, Halil Gevgilili, Mark Mezger, Cenker Demir

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A 7.5 mm twin screw extruder was developed specifically for the processing of energetic formulations involving nanoparticles. This novel twin screw extruder was demonstrated upon the processing of gamma and alpha alumina nanoparticles with a gel-based binder in the absence and presence of dispersing agents. Quantitative measures of degree of mixedness were obtained on samples processed with the twin screw extruder and with conventional processing methods using wide-angle x-ray and thermo gravimetric analysis and were corroborated with microscopy. Twin screw extrusion process generated more homogeneous mixtures of nanoparticles in comparison to those processed using conventional (intensive batch) mixing technologies and the use of surfactants further improved the homogeneity. With increasing homogeneity the suspension exhibited lower elasticity and shear viscosity. Overall, the results of this study emphasize the important roles played by the surface properties of rigid particles, the interfacial tension between the particles and the binder and the rheological behavior of the binder. In the absence of properly-selected binder and surfactant/s the processing of nanoparticles, without agglomeration, is difficult to achieve. This finding may be relevant to the evaluation of past efforts, which have aimed to improve the ultimate properties of energetic formulations by incorporating nanoparticles.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2006 AIChE Annual Meeting
StatePublished - 2006
Event2006 AIChE Annual Meeting - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: 12 Nov 200617 Nov 2006

Publication series

NameAIChE Annual Meeting, Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference2006 AIChE Annual Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period12/11/0617/11/06

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