Future Trends in Flame Spray Process

Abstract

This chapter introduces the main future trends associated with the use and development of the flame spray (FS) technology. The FS process has been considered by many researchers as a novel and powerful method for the production of nanoparticles and nanostructured particles. However, if we consider that its principles and fundamentals are not fully understood, and considering that only few commodities (black carbon, titania, and silica for example) are commercially available up to now, there is a great demand for the development of the FS process. Today, there are several areas where FS process can be developed, which justify the strong efforts made by many scientists. In addition, we must consider that the increasing use and interest in the FS process makes it a promising technique for the production of a wide range of commodities, especially if we take in mind that most of the products obtained with FS are in the nanosize scale. Another important point concerning the future of the FS comprises the synthesis of unconventional oxides and can be also considered as a great development done for the improvement of this method. It is clear to many scientists that a deep understanding of the particle formation mechanisms in the flame is an important step in the development of the FS process. The better understanding of what happens in the flame basically comprises the acquisition of experimental data, leading to a further modeling and simulation of particle formation mechanisms and their kinetics in flames. The use of the principles of this technology but aiming the production of thin films and coatings is another point and has emerged as an important area inside this technology. These are just two short examples of the potential areas inside the FS technology. This chapter intends to present to reader the main future trends concerning the use of a flame to obtain ceramic products, as well as the development and improvement of new devices to be used as flame, powder collector, and atomization are discussed. Another important point of this chapter is the perspective of the production of nanoparticles aiming its application in several industrial concerns as biomaterials, electronics, catalysis, etc.