Insights into nanostructured silica particle formation from sodium silicate using spray drying: An experimental and theoretical study

• Published in: Chemical physics 2024-09, Vol.585, p.112347, Article 112347
• Main Authors: Qomariyah, Lailatul, Rahmana Putra, Nicky, Shamsuddin, Rashid, Hirano, Tomoyuki, Ratna Puri, Nurdiana, Alawiyah, Lailatul, Hamzah, Afan, Sabar, Sumiyyah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CFD simulation; Discrete phase model; Evaporation rate; Hydrodynamic; Spray drying; Validation
• ISSN: 0301-0104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2024.112347

Spray drying is a widely used operational procedure utilized in diverse sectors. The current knowledge of droplet mobility processesinside the drying chamber is not fully comprehensive due to the complex nature of droplet evaporation issues. The present study used a comprehensive methodology that integrated numerical models and actual testing to investigate the drying process of droplets in the context of spray drying. The precursor material utilized in this investigation was colloidal silica. The influence of external hydrodynamic variables, such as drying temperature (473, 673, and 873 K) and carrier gas flow rate (2, 4, 6 L/min), was thoroughly investigated in connection to the dynamics of droplets and the subsequent creation of silica particles. Distinct alterations in the size and shape of the silica particles were observed due to variations in drying temperature and carrier gas flow rate. The validity of this investigation was established by the generation of two discrete particle morphologies, namely spherical particles and doughnut-shaped particles. Spherical particles were produced under reduced carrier gas flow rates of 2 L/min and lower drying chamber temperatures of 473 K. In the quantitative evaluation, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computations properly established the evaporation rate constant (K) and the temperature difference (ΔT) inside the droplets. Furthermore, qualitative calculations provide insight into the complex dynamics of droplet motion inside the spray chamber. The results of this study have the potential to open up new possibilities for regulating nanoparticle creation via the use of the spray drying process.