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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Nanosized silica particles dispersed in various solvents were spray driedand the change in size distribution, agglomerate strength, and strengthdistribution was determined. The effect of solvent surface tension, pH, andparticle surface chemistry on strength of agglomerates formed during spraydrying was studied for particle sizes between 15 and 500 nm. Alcohol/watermixtures having different surface tension, and water at different pH levels,were employed to separate the effects of capillary pressure and surfacehydroxyl condensation reactions. The agglomerate strength was determinedusing an ultrasonic measurement technique. The particle size was determinedusing sedimentation. The strength and strength distribution of agglomerateswas found to depend on the solvent surface tension, solubility (pH), andprimary particle size.