Abstract
A novel acoustic dispersion method for fine diamond particles was proposed. Two samples of nanosized diamond particles were used. They had primary particle sizes of 5 nm (ND5) and 150 nm (ND150), respectively. Ultrasound disaggregation and surface modification of ND5 and ND150 were investigated. ND5 and ND150 aggregated to secondary particles of micrometer order. The surface of ND5 and ND150 was modified and the particles were disaggregated by acoustic cavitation. ND5 was disaggregated to give an average particle size of about 100 nm by ultrasound exposure with average acoustic intensities higher than 800 W/m^2. ND150 with size of 15μm was disaggregated to reach an average particle size of about 300 nm by ultrasound exposure with an average acoustic intensity higher than 2000 W/m^2. The surface of ND5 and ND150 particles was found to be modified with hydroxyl groups by acoustic cavitation. This could lead to a well dispersion of nanosized diamond particles in water.
