The Divided Solids, Processes and Products team conducts experimental and theoretical research to generate knowledge about the properties of divided solids and the unit operations they are involved in (transport, mixing, grinding, coating, shaping by granulation, compaction, mechanochemistry, etc.). The diversity of powders and the complexity of these unit operations pose a challenge to the design of sustainable processes for the manufacture of products with optimized end-use properties.

Research objectives

The objective is to propose approaches that combine experimental studies and multiphysical, multi-scale numerical modeling to predict the functional properties of products as a function of powder properties and process parameters. These approaches cover both:

• Characterization of powder properties (physicochemical surface properties, mechanical and thermal properties)
• Characterization of the relationships between powder properties, process parameters and product properties,
• Numerical modeling of processes (using finite elements (FEM), discrete elements (DEM) or Markov chains) to improve the knowledge of the relationships between powder properties, process parameters and the end-use product properties
   

The challenge is to: 

• Develop optimized measurement methods and tools (contact and non-contact sensors, digital experimentation) to identify local behaviors
• Model processes by developing coupled numerical methods (DEM-FEM, DEM-CFD, DEM-Markov chains)

 

Scientific challenges

Several scientific hurdles must be overcome:

• How can we identify and characterize physical properties at different scales? How do they affect the properties of the formed products? These questions concern several of the processes being studied, such as mechanochemistry (chemical-mechanical coupling), dry coating and forming processes (densification). The properties concerned may be surface finish and coating quality, or the dosage of active ingredients or crystals in formulations.

• How can we identify and characterize product homogeneity and the parameters that influence the process? This is a key question, particularly for problems of flow, silo emptying, continuous mixing, wet or dry granulation (roller compaction) and compaction.

• How can numerical models be coupled to enrich information at the local scale in the processes studied? This question, common to several processes, requires interdisciplinary skills, sometimes involving external collaborations.


 

Members: 

H. BERTHIAUX, R. CALVET, A. CHAMAYOU, A. DE RYCK, L. GALET, C. GATUMEL, O. LECOQ, S. DE PAIVA LACERDA, A. MICHRAFY, B. PAREDES-GOYES, D. OULAHNA