Agglomeration strength

Mechanical interlocking of particles may occur during the agitation or compression of, for example, fibrous particles, but it is probably only a minor contributor to agglomerate strength in most cases. 

Results from studies using calcium carbonate showed that, relative to dry powder, the effect of conditioning at 55% relative humidity (at 20 °C) increased agglomerate strength threefold, which was attributed to the development of liquid-bridge forces [86]. 

A number of other agglomerate strength tests, generally of the attrition/ abrasion and impact varieties and of particular significance to a specific industry, will now be summarized. 

C.E. Capes, The correlation of agglomerate strength with size, Powder Technol., 5 (1971/72) 119-125. 

Influence of agglomerate strength maximum feed particle size... 

Agglomerate strength plays an even more fundamental role in that it determines whether or not nucleation and growth can occur at all in an agitated moist powder. To survive and grow, the cohesive forces present in a nucleus which are responsible for its formation must be able to withstand the destructive agitation forces of its environment. Once formed, the final size reached by the agglomerate represents a balance between these same cohesive and destructive forces. 

These six topics, together with introductory material (Chapter 1) and considerations on agglomerate strength (Chapter 2) comprise the eight chapters of the book. Readers looking for information on a specific size enlargement technique can refer directly to the appropriate chapter. If the problem is to find a suitable technique for a new application, however, a preliminary selection procedure is outlined in Chapter 1. 

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