Narrative: Production of fine titanium dioxide (TiO) powders by titanium tetrachloride (TiCl) oxidation will be investigated experimentally in a high temperature aerosol flow reactor. The focus of this project is on understanding the interplay between chemical kinetics and aerosol dynamics during manufacture of TiO particles. Detailed, simultaneous measurements of chemical kinetics and product aerosol characteristics in an aerosol flow reactor will be made under precisely controlled experimental conditions. The rate of TiCl oxidation will be measured by a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. Fundamental reaction rate expressions will be derived. The aerosol size characteristics of TiO will be measured by conventional aerosol instruments. The effect of dopant silicon tetrachloride (SiCl) on product titania size and polydispersity will be thoroughly investigated. A theory for TiO particle production will be developed in terms of basic aerosol processes (chemical reaction, nucleation, condensation and coagulation). This study will trigger the development of aerosol processes for manufacture of high hiding power pigments and ceramic powders for advanced ceramics.
