Terahertz pulsed imaging as a new method for investigating the liquid transport kinetics of α-alumina powder compacts

Investigating the liquid transport kinetics of solid catalysts is great importance for gaining a better understanding manufacturing and performance such during reaction upon contact with liquid. Terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI) coupled newly designed flow cell was used to quantify rate water ingress into α-alumina pellets range different porosities. A wide compaction forces (cold compaction, 7–58 kN) sintering conditions (no firing at 1200 1300 °C) investigated explore optimal pellet microstructure, i.e. mechanically strong but sufficiently porous fast kinetics. The results confirm that both microstructure characteristics, particularly porosity, as well surface properties, wettability, influence Fitting TPI penetration rates power law shows type observed mass characteristics consistent Darcy flow. Lucas–Washburn equation calculate hydraulic radius based on data. In summary, demonstrate has potential study ceramic catalyst supports can comfortably processes 250 μm s−1 beyond in substrates quality control optimised design materials.