Evolution of structure and charge of soot aggregates during and after formation in a propane/air diffusion flame

Evolution of soot aggregate morphology, size and concentration is investigated during and after formation of soot in propane/air diffusion flame. Monitoring of gaseous intermediates in the flame is done by gas chromatography. Soot aggregate size and morphology are analyzed by a transmission electron microscope; soot number concentration is determined by an automated diffusion battery. Aggregate–aggregate collisions and aggregate structural transformations are observed in real time using a video system. It is determined that soot aggregates formed in flame are charged. The electric charge per aggregate is determined by video observation of aggregate movement in electric field. Both positively and negatively charged aggregates are formed. Typical net charge per aggregate is a few elementary units. An effect of soot aggregate restructuring from chain-like to compact structures is observed. It is determined that the driving force for this restructuring is Coulomb interactions between different parts of the aggregate. It is demonstrated that Coulomb interactions between aggregates can affect considerably coagulation process and the final aggregate shape.