Ultrafine Particle and Fiber Production in Micro-Gravity

Abstract

AbstractWe have investigated the technique of evaporation and condensation of material in an inert gas (ECIIG) for the purpose of preparing ultrafine particles (of order 10 nm in diameter) with a narrow distribution of sizes. Gravity driven convection increases the rate of coalescence of the particles leading to larger sizes and a broader distribution. Here we report on analysis and experiments to investigate coalescence of particles. The possibility of reducing coalescence in micro-gravity is discussed. An experimental test in reduced gravity to be performed in a KC135 aircraft is described briefly.