Key parameters for monodispersed polymer microspheres with spinning disk atomization

Spinning Disk Atomization has been developed to produce high quality powders in the form of narrowly dispersed or monosized spherical beads, in the size range of 50 to 500 mu m, that are hardly accessible by other techniques. This technology, that in principle can be applied to any kind of material, is described in this study for low molecular weight polymers, e.g. poly(ethyleneglycol). A description of the atomization equipment design, ensuring proper liquid distribution, is presented and the influence of key-parameters controlling the droplet formation, such as viscosity and rotation rate used to approach monodispersity, is discussed. Spheres, produced by spinning disk atomization, may find use in various areas from laboratory-scale to large-scale applications such as interlining adhesives, powder coatings, food powders, biomedical products, drug delivery systems, cosmetics, for example. The spinning disk atomization described here is studied and designed for future scale-up aiming at industrial production.