Enhancing Powder Technology Research Cooperation Between De Montfort University and Scandinavian Institutions

Powder caking, where particles stick together to form lumps, is an unwelcome phenomenon which reduces the quality of powdered products and makes handling, storage and processing problematic. This is particularly a problem in tropical climates where many emerging markets are based. The main method of combating this is to use anti-caking agents, small particles of chemicals which reduce moisture mobility or provide a barrier between the larger particles, as is often the case in food processing. However, this remedy is not always suitable and there is a trend away from this towards using ingredients that are designed to be caking resistant. This can be done by examining how the surface properties change in warm and humid conditions. Dr Leaper has already examined how this method can be used with an EPSRC First grant "Novel Analysis of Particulate Materials" EP/GO/16442/1. This proposal will fund visits to academic and industrial partners in Scandinavia to construct a consortium to apply for European Funding to continue this work.

The main beneficiaries of this research will be industrial producers of powdered materials. These sectors would include food, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, building materials, washing powders, dyes and pigments and plastics. This research will examine how the unwanted agglomeration, or caking, of powders can be reduced. This will allow producers to "add value" to their products, gaining a competitive advantage. This will also allow handling of materials to be improved, reducing waste and increasing production efficiency. This will reduce environmental impact and carbon footprint. It is hoped that the international network created by this grant will allow a greater transfer of knowledge between non-competing sectors both in the UK and Europe.