Centimeter Level Monolayer Close-packed of Disk-Shaped Diatomite Particles

Diatomite earth, preferably maintained the morphology and structure of nature diatom, with the characteristic of unique multi-level nanopores and large specific surface area. Diatom is a low-cost at large quantity through repeatable separation from diatomite earth, suitable for industrial application. In this study, the disk-shaped diatom shell particles, size distribution between 40–80 μm, were extracted out by physical settlement method and mechanical screening method. Then, according to the particles self-assembly close-packed principles at air-water interface, the fast close-packed feasibility of hydrophobic diatom shells in a large area was studied. The results showed that by controlling the concentration and forms of diatom shell particles, centimeter level close-packed monolayer can be obtained. The close-packed monolayer area of floating diatom shell particles was over 23.7 cm2, and on drying substrate was about 5.0 cm2.