High-shear blades – efficient dispersion

High-shear blades are special mixing tools that are used for the intensive dispersion and deagglomeration of solids (dry, moist and wet) but also for dissolving coagulates. They are always used when maximum homogeneity is required and agglomerated primary particles must be separated from each other.

Adhesive forces such as Van der Waals bonds or capillary effects dominate, especially in nanoscale or nanostructured particle systems. Agglomeration and coagulation are particularly pronounced here, which is why targeted deagglomeration is crucial to the process – for example, in functional ceramics, battery technology or pharmaceutical active ingredient formulation.

The effective comminution of micro- and nanoagglomerates requires high shear energy densities. These can be achieved by rotating mixing systems with very high rotational speeds. However, to ensure efficient energy input, the tool used must be optimally matched to the material system in terms of geometry, material selection and wear behaviour.

High-shear blades, especially in rotor-stator configuration, enable targeted flow control with maximum turbulence and particle loading. It should be noted that cavitation can occur in liquids at excessively high peripheral speeds. Alternatively, a gas space can form in the mixing zone. In such cases, the dispersing performance drops dramatically, even though nominally high relative speeds are present. The process design must therefore be precise in terms of flow mechanics.

amixon® offers customised rotor-stator tools for these high-performance applications, which are designed for maximum efficiency and minimal tool wear, even with abrasive powders. This allows the production of dispersed systems that meet the highest requirements for homogeneity, reproducibility and functionality.