Expressions of Powder and Particle Conductivity

Energy appears in many forms: light, heat, chemical, fusion, fission, mechanical, and electrical. However, all forms involve electron and proton movements or atom splitting. The basic rules governing electrical forces are surprisingly simple. Conductive forces move electrons and protons between atoms, exchanging energy. This movement drives almost every chemical reaction essential to producing the products and technologies we use daily.

Particle semiconductors are the backbone of industrial goods, consumer products, and electronic services. Controlling these particle forces is crucial for improving efficiency in particle-based industries and research. Whether designing mesoporous structures or reducing static build-up, conductivity is a key particle characteristic across industries.

Energy manifests in various forms, including light, heat, chemical, fusion, fission, mechanical, and electrical. At its core, energy stems from the movement of electrons and protons or from the splitting of atoms. The fundamental laws governing electrical forces are surprisingly straightforward. Conductive forces moving electrons and protons between atoms drive nearly every chemical reaction essential for producing the products and technologies that shape industries and consumer goods.

Particle semiconductors are crucial to industrial processes, consumer products, and global electronics. The ability to control these particle forces is key to enhancing efficiency across particle technology-driven industries and research. From designing mesoporous particle structures to reducing static buildup during production and storage, managing conductivity is a critical characteristic that industries need to address, tailored to their specific requirements.

Particle conductivity is influenced by multiple factors, including particle density, size, thermal tolerance, and temperature. Higher temperatures increase particle resistance, volatility, and energy loss, reducing efficiency. Effective particle control is critical for technologies such as solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, foldable screens, and targeted drug delivery systems. Balancing conductivity at each production stage ensures stable particle interactions in the final product, which is essential for product efficiency, sales success, and ongoing R&D.

A particle’s conductivity is impacted by interactions with other particles, processing equipment, environmental factors, pressure, moisture, and temperature, as well as its potential for electrostatic discharge. Electrostatic discharge, in particular, poses risks in powder processing plants, storage silos, and during transport. In many cases, these discharges may be minor yet costly or time-consuming. However, in some instances, electrostatic discharge can lead to hazardous explosions, endangering equipment and workers. For example, when dust particles accumulate and ignite from static discharge, it can cause equipment damage and potential injury.

Industries such as mining, milling, polishing, and additive manufacturing often handle combustible powder materials susceptible to electrostatic discharge. In enclosed production areas, accumulated dust particles can ignite from static discharge, resulting in explosive deflagration that can spread through a facility. A common trigger for such explosions can be the differential potential between particles and equipment surfaces, like the walls of a hopper.

Silos and storage containers also pose explosion risks, particularly during bulking processes involving charged, insulated powders. When static charge builds up, bulk discharge can act as an ignition source for electrostatic-sensitive powders, highlighting the importance of stringent controls in storage environments.

The electrical conductivity of particles can vary widely, from nonconductive to highly conductive, depending on their material composition. For example, silicon particles are inherently nonconductive; however, by mixing in 40% metallic particles, silicon can be made conductive to suit specific manufacturing needs. Additionally, particle size and geometry significantly impact conductivity.

During transport and conveying, particles may build up electrical charges due to friction from collisions with each other and with equipment walls. If the equipment is insulated, static charges can accumulate, potentially leading to electrostatic discharge. This can result in particles agglomerating or adhering to equipment surfaces, reducing flowability and impairing volume accuracy.

Furthermore, even a partial layer of nonconductive material on conductive particles can diminish conductivity. For instance, silver particles exposed to sulfur environments can form a thin, nonconductive oxidized layer, affecting their electrical properties. As particle conductivity is essential in applications from medications to electronics, improving coatings and conductivity remains paramount.

Electrostatic charges in bulk powders can interfere with flowability by causing particles to adhere to hopper walls or separate by size. This alters bulk density and volume, which is particularly concerning in industries like pharmaceuticals, where precise volume measurements are critical to product quality. In liquid suspensions, smaller particles may carry different charges than larger ones, affecting consistency and flow. This charge variation can complicate applications, especially in coatings, where uniform dispersion is necessary.

Particle research is vital for adjusting characteristics like conductivity to minimize issues such as static buildup and coating inconsistencies. Conductivity is especially crucial in electrostatic industrial coatings, where low conductivity can lead to material waste and uneven layers, while high conductivity can create clumping and rough surfaces.

Smaller particles, while beneficial, are particularly prone to static charges due to factors like flow rate, gravitational drops, and conveying speed. This sensitivity to charge affects production processes across industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, oil and gas, food, plastics, and additive manufacturing. Conductivity influences both production efficiency and product quality, making it an essential factor in these sectors.