Abstract
The disintegration behavior of model granules of silica microspheres was characterized by two methods, i. e. by a shear method on a granular bed, and by a compression test on a single granule. The microstructure of granules was evaluated by mercury porosimetry together with scanning, as well as by transmission electron microscopy. The correlation between the two mechanical strengths was dominated by the difference in the microstructure, particularly by the lack of the homogeniety of the granule. The analyses result in a guideline for independently controlling the strength and density of granules.
