UNIFORM SILICA PARTICLE-PRECIPITATION - AN AGGREGATIVE GROWTH-MODEL

An aggregative growth model for the formation of uniform particles is developed and tested with rate and particle size distribution data gathered on spheres precipitated from silicon alkoxides. Smoluchowski population balance equations with a source term are solved for conditions applicable to the precipitation reaction. Size dependent aggregation rate constants are determined from estimates of particle properties and measures of particle surface potentials. Assuming particles grow solely by aggregation, the model provides good estimates of final particle size distribution parameters from silicon alkoxide reaction rates. © 1991.