The example of processing 3D carbon nanomaterials is de-agglomeration and dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Many studies have been performed using Microfluidizer® homogenizing equipment for dispersing either single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) or multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs). Our processor can successfully disperse and create stable suspensions of SWNTs and/or MWNTs in various liquid media including polymer resins, organic solvents or simply water. The nanotubes are largely de-agglomerated and dispersed uniformly — in a single pass. During additional passes, length reduction can be controlled based on processing conditions. The dispersion can enhance electrical conductivity as well.
Microfluidizer® technology has been widely studied for the de-fibrillation of cellulose. The results prove that wood cellulose and non-wood fiber samples can be successfully de-fibrillated under several processing conditions. In a recent published study, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were prepared by using a Microfluidizer® processor to disintegrate aqueous pulp dispersion. The produced CNFs were then mixed with nanoclay disperions to obtain composite dispersions. The steady-shear and viscoelastic properties were evaluated and found to be affected by CNF content and interactions between CNFs and clay particles. Read more about this story
Microfluidizer® technology is also very efficient for de-agglomeration of metal oxides and inks]. In a case study, our engineering team used a Microfluidizer® processor to deagglomerate high crystalline cerium dioxide nanoparticles and reduce the particle size. The high shear of our fluid processor significantly reduced the particle size in just a single pass.
