Naturally occurring or manufactured through chemical and/or physical processes, particulate materials are substances consisting of individual particles which have significance to the global economy, society and environments. Due to the diversity and intrinsic nature, manufacturing, handling and processing of particulate materials still face numerous challenges. Aimed at addressing these challenges, this book contains a selection of papers discussing the state-of-the-art research in particulate materials science that were presented at the UK-China Particle Technology Forum III held at Birmingham, UK in 2011. Classified into four distinct topics namely synthesis, characterisation, processing and modelling, the chapters showcase the advances in these areas including a range of advanced synthesis methods for example, spray-pyrolysis, supercritical fluid synthesis assisted with ultrasound, continuous synthesis using supercritical water, hydrothermal synthesis of nano-particulate materials and jet milling. For characterisation, various methods for characterising particulate materials at both particle and system levels are introduced and how these properties affect the behaviour of particulate materials in various processes, such as inhalation, filling, and consolidation, are discussed. In the processing section, recent advances such as capsule filling, micro-dosing, dry granulation, roll compaction, milling, and more are presented. The last section concerns mathematical and numerical modelling in particulate materials, for which the book includes both analytical methods and advanced numerical methods, such as discrete element methods (DEM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), lattice Boltzmann methods (LBM), coupled DEM/CFD and DEM/LBM, and their applications. Particulate Materials is aimed at research communities dealing with these diverse materials, and scientists and engineers in powder handling industries, such as pharmaceutical, food, fine chemical and detergents.

This book presents the basic knowledge and fundamental concepts that are needed by engineers dealing with particles and powders. The book provides a comprehensive reference and introduction to the topic, ranging from single particle characterization to bulk powder properties to complex multiphase gas-solid-liquid systems. The book has an emphasis on quantitative explanation and theoretical concepts, supported throughout by cased studies of practical applications. The book is structured into four parts. Part I presents basic information on single particle properties and their interaction with solids and gas/liquids. Theoretical models and quantitative concepts related to single particle are stressed in this section. Part II covers the fundamental characteristics of bulk solids (powders), and builds an understanding of density, surface area, porosity, flow and mechanics. Part III discusses the principles of multiphase systems, including fluidization, pneumatic conveying. Part IV focuses on advanced numerical methods and measurement techniques for particle engineering. The book will be suitable for postgraduate students and professional engineers in chemical engineering, food engineering, materials science, pharmaceutical science, agricultural engineering and mining engineering. It will also serve as a reference for practitioners responsible for the bulk handling of particulate materials
Four section provide readers with coverage of core particle topics: particle mechanics & characterization; characterization & mechanics of bulk solids; multiphase particle engineering; and advanced particle engineering

Practical focus is supported by worked examples, case studies and applied topics.

Enables engineers to build their knowledge and skills to understand and work with particulate systems