Nanoparticles Enhance Coating Process Efficiency in Sodium Bicarbonate Production

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Semnan University have found that the introduction of nanoparticles (NPs) into a coating solution can significantly improve the coating characteristics of sodium bicarbonate powders. The study, funded by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) and Semnan University, used a combination of ZnO and Fe2O3 NPs with maltodextrin (MD) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) as wall materials. The results showed a reduction in CO2 release from 4% to 2.4% and 3.5% for coated powders with Fe2O3 and ZnO NPs, respectively. The study also found that the adsorption-desorption of N2 gas implied a significant decrease in pore sizes of the coating layer surface.

Key Takeaways:

  • The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in the coating solution significantly improves the coating characteristics of sodium bicarbonate powders, including a reduction in CO2 release.
  • The optimal operating conditions for the coating process were determined by factorial design to be a fluidization air flow rate of 100 m3/h, spraying pressure of 4 bars, drying air temperature of 60°C, MD concentration of 30%, and HEC concentration of 0.1%.
  • The introduction of NPs into the coating solution provides a heterogeneous surface, which enforces the wall material to a more uniform and faster crystallization.
  • The study found that the pore sizes of the coating layer surface have been significantly decreased by adding NPs to the coating solution, as indicated by the adsorption-desorption of N2 gas.
  • The results of this study have significant implications for the production of sodium bicarbonate, a key component in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and emerging technologies.
  • Researchers from Semnan University, including Mansour Jahangiri, Faramarz Hormozi, Fahimeh Vafaee, Masoud Salavati-Niasari, and Makarim A. Mahdi, have contributed to this research.

Statistics:

  • CO2 release was reduced from 4% for coated powders with no NPs in the coating solution to 2.4% and 3.5% for coated powders with Fe2O3 and ZnO NPs, respectively.
  • The fluidization air flow rate of 100 m3/h was determined to be optimal for the coating process.
  • The spraying pressure of 4 bars and drying air temperature of 60°C were also found to be optimal for the coating process.
  • The pore sizes of the coating layer surface decreased significantly by adding NPs to the coating solution, as indicated by the adsorption-desorption of N2 gas.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Recent Findings in Nanoparticles Described by Researchers from Semnan University (Evaluation of the Effect of Maltodextrin and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Solution Containing Zno and Fe2o3 Nanoparticles On the Co2 Release In Sodium Bicarbonate ...). Nanotechnology Weekly. January 2, 2023; p 2503.
  • Evaluation of the Effect of Maltodextrin and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Solution Containing Zno and Fe2o3 Nanoparticles On the Co2 Release In Sodium Bicarbonate Coating Process. Fuel, 2023;331.