aggregate

Certain materials used as catalysts or supports consist of spheroids smaller than in diameter, cemented into larger entities. A primary particle should be defined as the smallest discrete identifiable entity and the method of identification should be mentioned (e.g. transmissionelectron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy). An assemblage of such primary particles exhibiting an identifiable collective behaviour (e.g. chemical nature of the aggregated primary particles, texture of the aggregate, resistance to mechanical separation upon grinding) constitutes an aggregate. When describing the aggregates the criterion of identification should be mentioned. Strongly bonded aggregates are called agglomerates.