Siladitya, B and Chatterjee, Minati and Ganguli, Dibyendu (1999) Role of a surface active agent in the sol-emulsion-gel synthesis of spherical alumina powders. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 15 (3). pp. 271-277. ISSN 0928-0707

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (136Kb) | Request a copy

Abstract

Spheroidal alumina particles of tailor-made size were prepared by the sol-emulsion-gel method under simultaneous mechanical agitation and sonication and by systematic variation of the concentration of a non-ionic surfactant in the organic solvent (''oil phase'') above or below the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The CMC of the surfactant in the organic solvent of low dielectric constant was determined from discernible breaks in surface tension, viscosity, optical absorption and dye fluorescence vs. concentration curves. The CMC of the surfactant played an important role in controlling the sol droplet size and accordingly, the size of the alumina particles obtained therefrom. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that near (but below) CMC the nanospheroids (10-50 m) were in the state of chain-like agglomerates. Beyond CMC, spheroidal particles of larger dimensions were obtained. Particle size analysis showed a sharp decrease in mean size with increasing concentration of the surfactant up to CMC, above which a gentle upward trend was noticed.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Surfactant; Micelle; Critical micelle concentration (CMC); Alumina; Sol-emulsion-gel
Subjects:	Engineering Materials
Divisions:	Sol Gel
Depositing User:	Bidhan Chaudhuri
Date Deposited:	19 Jun 2012 06:45
Last Modified:	19 Jun 2012 06:45
URI:	http://cgcri.csircentral.net/id/eprint/1495

Actions (login required)

View Item