This research will focus on elucidation the mechanisms of agglomerate dispersion in controlled flow fields. Mixing of solid additives into a liquid generally involves rupture and distribution ofthe separated particles throughout the liquid. In order to elucidate the rate determining step in dispersive mixing, the principal investigator will develop and analyze models predicting the dynamics of the agglomerate size distribution in controlled flow fields. Each model will concentrate on a particular step of the mixing process and theoretical predictions will be compared with experimental data. The results of this investigation will advance the understanding of the mechanism of dispersion of solids into liquids and will provide insight into the design of actual mixing equipment. Many materials of industrial significance are mixtures of solid additives into liquids. Examples of such materials include dispersion of pigments of inks, as well as most plastics and rubber products. The quality of the dispersion strongly affects the physico-mechanical properties of the final product. This brings about the need for understanding and control of the dispersion process.
