The rapid growth of interest in powders and their surface properties in
many diverse industries prompted the writing of this book for those who
have the need to make meaningful measurements without the benefit of
years of experience. It is intended as an introduction to some of the
elementary theory and experimental methods used to study the surface
area, porosity and density of powders. It may be found useful by those
with little or no training in solid surfaces who have the need to quickly
learn the rudiments of surface area, density and pore-size measurements.
An increasing number of industries now deal with materials in powder form. The surface area and porosity of powders are characteristics of particular importance in their industrial use. The previous edition of "Powder Surface Area and Porosity" continues to provide an introduction to the experimental methods used to study these properties and a handbook for those needing practical guidance on measurement of surface area, density, particle size and pore size. Particular features in this edition include an extended discussion of micropore analysis and an introduction to methods of particle size measurement, including sedimentation techniques. Part I of the book covers the important theories associated with the measurement of surface area and porosity, discussing gas adsorption, Langmuir and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller theories, adsorbate cross-sectional areas, Harkins and Jura methods, pore analysis by adsorption, microporosity, mercury porosimetry and sedimentation techniques. Part II describes and compares various experimental methods, including vacuum volumetric measurements, dynamic gravimetric and adsorption methods, mercury porosimetry, density measurements and sedimentation techniques. This book should be of interest to powder technology specialists in industry and academia, and graduate students in chemical engineering.
