Admixture: A Key Additive for Enhancing The Efficiency And Quality of Industrial Grinding Processes

In modern industrial production, the grinding aid, as a special chemical additive, plays an irreplaceable role in enhancing the grinding efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and improving product quality. Today, Henan Zhengmin Machinery Co., Ltd. will delve into the different types of grinding aids and their functions in the grinding process.

Types of grinding aids

1. Classified by chemical composition

Organic type grinding aids: Common examples include alcohols, amines, amine alcohols, fatty acids, resins, etc. For instance, triethanolamine, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc. Their molecules generally contain polar groups such as hydroxyl and amino groups, which can adhere to the surface of the material particles.

Inorganic grinding aids: These include metal salts, halides, sulfates, etc. For example, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate, iron chloride, etc. Inorganic grinding aids mainly function by altering the physical and chemical properties of the material's surface.

Composite type grinding aids: These are formed by mixing organic and inorganic grinding aids in a certain proportion. They combine the advantages of both and can perform more effectively in various grinding environments and materials.

2. Classification by usage purpose

Improving grinding efficiency type: The main function is to reduce the energy consumption for grinding materials and increase the output of the grinding machine. For example, amine-based additives such as triethanolamine can significantly enhance the grinding efficiency of materials like cement.

Improvement in product quality type: It helps to enhance the performance of the product, such as particle grading and specific surface area, thereby improving the quality of the product. For example, certain polymer additives for grinding can make the distribution of cement particles more reasonable and increase the early strength of cement.

Multifunctional type: It possesses multiple functions such as enhancing grinding efficiency and improving product quality, and is an important direction for the development of grinding aids at present.

The function of the grinding aid

Reduce surface energy: During the grinding process, materials will generate new surfaces, resulting in an increase in surface energy. The additive molecules adsorb onto the surface of the material particles, reducing the surface energy of the particles and preventing them from re-aggregating, making the grinding process easier to proceed. For example, in cement grinding, triethanolamine can adsorb onto the surface of the cement particles, reducing their surface energy and improving the grinding efficiency.

Dispersion effect: Additives can evenly disperse the material particles among the grinding media, preventing particle agglomeration and accumulation, increasing the contact probability between the grinding media and the materials, and enhancing the grinding effect. For example, in the grinding of slag, adding the appropriate dispersing agent can ensure good dispersion of the slag particles and improve the grinding efficiency.

Lubrication effect: The auxiliary grinding agent forms a lubricating film between the grinding medium and the material particles, reducing the friction between them and the grinding energy consumption. At the same time, it also helps to enhance the impact and grinding effect of the grinding medium. For example, fatty acid type auxiliary grinding agents can play a good lubrication role in the grinding of ceramic raw materials.

Crystal phase transformation effect: During the grinding process of certain materials, the grinding aids can promote the crystal phase transformation of the materials, making them easier to be ground. For example, in the grinding of limestone, some grinding aids can cause changes in the crystal structure of limestone, reducing its hardness and improving the grinding efficiency.

In conclusion, the grinding aid, with its unique chemical properties and diverse functions, plays a crucial role in numerous fields. Whether it is to enhance production efficiency or product quality, the grinding aid provides strong support. With the advancement of technology, we anticipate that the grinding aid will demonstrate greater potential in more fields in the future.