Heterocoagulation simulation of nano alumina and silica particle dispersion using discrete element method

Abstract

Heterocoagulation in alumina-silica suspension is studied using 2-dimensional discrete element method simulations. Controlling the structure and stability of the binary suspensions via selecting the appropriate size of precursors is crucial in ceramics processing. Alumina and silica particles with a broad range of sizes and size ratios are investigated. The size and the size ratio determine the degree of heterocoagulation and impact the suspension's structure. Analyzing simulation results shows that when the sizes of silica and alumina particles are comparable, and the radii of particles are below 300 nm, a chain-like structure is formed. In suspensions with high size asymmetry, smaller silica particles surround larger alumina particles, and the degree of heterocoagulation is dependent on the composition of the suspension. The results show that suspension composition can also be used to tune the heterocoagulation structure.