Aggregate and Agglomerate Formation Dynamics

TBDAggregation and agglomeration of nanoparticles is of primary concern in synthesis and processing of nanoparticulate aerosols or suspensions because the final properties of aggregated nanoparticles differ from those of well-dispersed particles in many cases. In some cases aggregates are advantageous, such as in reinforcing fillers for polymers, while in other cases they are seen as a hindrance such as in quantum-effect nanoparticles. Aggregation phenomena are also of interest in a wide range of particulate handling and synthesis processes from biomaterials to detergents and to some extent there is an advantage to a broad and fundamental view of aggregation phenomena. The fundamental formation kinetics and resulting properties have been described partly in terms of fractal geometries and particle collision dynamics, however, much remains to be understood in terms of 1) direct quantification of aggregation and agglomeration dynamics; 2) modeling and simulation of aggregation phenomena as well as correlation between observed structure and the predictions of modeling and simulation; 3) prediction and control of nanoparticulate (and other materials) handling and synthesis targeting control of aggregate and agglomerate structure.