Processing and dispersion of particles into concentrated suspensions

This session invites papers on the processing of highly-concentrated particulate dispersions. Common denominators include dispersion processing, measuring the degree of mixedness in a multi-component system, and the use of characterization tools and modeling to infer the structure-ultimate property relationships that depend on the dispersion efficiency of the particles. Papers may address different methodologies of dispersion, control of the dispersed particle size, intercalation and exfoliation of nanoparticles, on-line particle size measurement, agglomeration and deagglomeration during processing with binders, effects of the instantaneous particle size distribution on rheological behavior and shear induced structuring of the dispersion. Of further interest are the linkages between the structural characteristics (e.g., the dispersed structure of the particles and/or nano-particles) and ultimate properties for various applications including magnetic, electrical and mechanical properties as well as biocompatibility. Examples include dispersion of nanoparticles into hydrogels, nanocomposites, composites, bio-composites and other filled material applications.