PE Wax Microparticle Production by External Mixing Two-Fluid Nozzle Atomization Process

Abstract

The effects of atomizing temperature, air pressure and air to liquid diameter ratio on particle size, particle size distribution and shape were studied in a polyethylene wax (PE wax) atomization process in the external mixing two-fluid nozzle atomizer. PE wax was melted and atomized at temperatures ranging from 120˚C to 180˚C, and atomizing air pressure was applied at pressures ranging from 1 to 7 bars. The results indicate that the particle size and bulk density of the PE wax particles decreased as the liquid cap diameter decreased and the air pressure and/or the melting temperature increased. The micrograph from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the atomization process produced smooth spherical PE wax particles.