Thermal Vacuum Synthesis: Physical Processes in Nanomaterial Production

The thermovacuum process offers an efficient and cost-effective method for producing nanomaterials by ensuring the continuous flow of dispersed material inside a spiral heating element. This is achieved by introducing the material into the heating element's cavity along with air, forming a two-phase gas-solid particle system. The material moves upward through the heated space, where pressure gradually decreases. Experimental studies on materials like carbon, brown coal, and zirconium dioxide indicate specific conditions are necessary for the system's continuous operation. One key requirement is that the mass of solid particles should not exceed 1.0 to 1.2 grams per liter of air entering the heating element. This limit ensures that nanodispersed and finely dispersed particles can move freely, avoiding collisions and allowing faster-moving particles to overtake slower ones. These particles increase in velocity and temperature as they pass through the heating element, with changes in heat capacity and particle motion contributing to wave motion and pulsed heat loads. The velocity at which the material particles travel depends on the thermal radiation from the heater walls and the energy generated by local pulse steam explosions, which create shock waves. Higher explosion energy results in increased particle velocity, greater impact angles against the heater walls, and higher environmental temperatures. These conditions lead to accelerated electron, proton, and other charged particle flows, forming plasma clots and neutrino clouds. The nanoparticles take various forms, including nanotubes, fullerenes, thin films, and crystals, reaching velocities up to a thousand kilometers per second and heating temperatures of up to 17 million degrees during pulses. This process consistently subjects the material to force, heat, deformation, and ionization, expediting the creation of nanodispersed materials with enhanced physicochemical and mechanical properties. The thermovacuum process not only improves the efficiency of thermotechnological equipment but also reduces energy consumption, production time, and costs. The research findings support its use in the continuous and effective production of high-quality nanomaterials.