Influence of Particle Size and Shape on the Flow Property of Free-Flowing Powders

Fine particles grinded by various size reduction methods are often characterized by their particle size and size distribution as measured by analytical instruments. It is generally believed that particle size can play an important role in the determination of partile flow property. Particle shape, as important as particle size, also influence the flow property in a certain way. In this study, carbon graphite was grinded into different particle size and shape and then measured by the jenike tester in terms of flow property. Using the particle shape analyzer, this study is able to quantify the particle shape by different particle shape factors and provide relative information. For fine particles, particle size dictates the behavior of the product (flow property), while particle shape may affect the flow property but not as significant as we expect to.