Production of Sodium Alginate-Based Aerogel Particles Using Supercritical Drying in Units with Different Volumes

Abstract

A complex study of the production of sodium alginate aerogel particles by emulsion gelation and dripping methods followed by drying in supercritical carbon dioxide is conducted. The factors that affect the characteristics of the obtained materials are determined. The above-mentioned methods are tested on a semiindustrial level using high-pressure homogenization and spraying through pneumatic nozzles. The resulting gel particles are dried in a supercritical carbon dioxide medium using equipment with the volume of drying vessels of 0.25 and 2 L. The necessary characteristics and quality of the obtained aerogels do not deteriorate in the case of production scale-up.