Dynamics of nanomaterials released from polymer composites in the pelletizing process

[摘要] Measures against exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNT) are necessary, especially in workplaces that handle nanomaterials, because adverse health effects are a concern. This study focuses on the dynamics of CNT released from CNT/polymer composites during the pelletizing process at a pilot factory. It is difficult to identify CNT and the base resin. By characterizing the possibility of separating CNT from the composite with a kinetic weighting coefficient, estimation can be carried out using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. The mass concentration of black carbon and the particle number concentration by diameter were measured using two different measurement apparatuses. The simulation results were then compared to the measured data. The model was verified by the correlation between the simulation and measured results. The model provided a strong correlation, indicating that the dynamics of CNT and the base resin released from the polymer composite can be simulated. It is expected that the model using the CFD simulation can be applied to the occupational health field.

[发布机构] Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyoku, Kyoto; 615-8540, Japan^1;Agency for Health, Safety and Environment, Kyoto University, Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto; 606-8501, Japan^2

[效力级别] 医药卫生

[关键词] Adverse health effects;Computational fluid dynamics simulations;Mass concentration;Measurement apparatus;Occupational health;Particle number concentration;Strong correlation;Weighting coefficient