What’s Powder?
Matter is classified into three states: “solid,” “liquid,” and “gas.” From the perspective of shape and volume, a simple explanation is as follows: “solid” is a state where both shape and volume do not change, “liquid” is a state where shape can change freely but volume remains constant, and “gas” is a state where both shape and volume can change freely.
Now, what is the state of “Powder”?
Definition of Powder
The term “Powder” is defined as “an aggregate of solid particles (tiny solids)”. According to this definition, “Powder” might seem to be classified as a “solid,” but that is not the case. The key point to focus on in this definition is the term “aggregate.”
Each individual particle is a solid, so of course, the shape and volume do not change. However, when it comes to the aggregate, which is the powder, both the shape and volume can change freely. In other words, while being a “solid,” powder exhibits the properties of “liquid” and “gas.”
Powder Applications
Looking around for examples of everyday powders, one can easily list items like sand and flour. In other words, powders are abundant in various aspects of our lives and are nothing out of the ordinary. This holds true in the industrial sector as well, where powders find extensive use across many industries.
There are three main applications of powders in the industrial sector. Firstly, there are products themselves that are in powder form, like flour and powdered seasonings. Secondly, raw materials for items like tablets are in powder form. Lastly, powders are used in the manufacturing processes of products like fuels and catalysts. Additionally, while not a primary application, many unwanted materials generated during processes like cutting are also in powder form.
In reality, powders are used in a wide range of industries, starting from the food and pharmaceutical sectors to materials and chemicals. For instance, in the automotive industry, sand in powder form is used in casting molds for parts, while in the resources and energy sector, coal in powder form is used as fuel in thermal power generation.
Powders are present all around us, supporting our lives in various ways. However, our understanding of powders is still far from complete. Many challenges remain in understanding powders, and comprehending them will be essential for improving our lives in the future. To aid in the understanding of powders, I will explain more about them and also highlight powder simulation, which is gaining attention as a means to enhance our understanding of powders.
