Characterization of iron oxide-silica nanocomposites in flames: Part II. Comparison of discrete-sectional model predictions to experimental data

Abstract

A discrete-sectional model accounting for particle formation by chemical reaction and growth by coagulation and condensation is developed to predict the evolution of the nanocomposite aerosol size distribution in a multicomponent iron-silicon system in a flame. Particle formation by nucleation of the vapor is represented by an Arrhenius-type rate expression, with the rate constant being obtained from experiments and simulation results reported in the literature. Precursor vapor concentrations and the second aerosol volume moment predictions are compared to laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and light scattering intensity measurements from experiments described in Part I20 of the paper. The results elucidate the important formation and growth mechanisms of nanocomposite ferric oxide-silica particles in flame reactors. The role of operating parameters such as precursor characteristics and temperature profiles on the final product characteristics is established.