Aerosooliks

Aerosooliks is a term used in aerosol science to describe a class of hypothetical aerosol particles characterized by a core-shell morphology. In this concept, a central core material (which may be liquid or solid) is encapsulated by an outer shell of another material. The term is primarily used in theoretical discussions and teaching examples rather than as a widely adopted physical category.

Physical properties of aerosooliks are defined by the core and shell combination. Typical core sizes range from tens of nanometers to a few micrometers, yielding overall particle diameters from about 50 nm to several micrometers. The shell can modify volatility, hygroscopicity, and optical behavior, while the core determines basic chemical reactivity and phase. This structure can influence how particles age, coagulate, and interact with sunlight and radiation.

Formation and sources in the aerosoolik framework are described as a two-step process: creation of a core particle followed by coating with a shell. This abstraction can represent coatings applied in industrial particles or natural processes that form layered particles. In simulations and classroom exercises, aerosooliks help illustrate the effects of shell thickness, chemical compatibility, and environmental conditions on particle lifetimes and removal mechanisms.

Applications and implications discussed in the literature include understanding hygroscopic growth, cloud-formation potential, light scattering and absorption, and removal by dry deposition, wet scavenging, or filtration. By varying shell properties, researchers can study how particle optics, radiative forcing, and air-quality outcomes might respond to different material choices.

Limitations include the fact that aerosooliks are not a standard category in contemporary aerosol science; the term is primarily pedagogical. Caution is advised when extrapolating theoretical results to real-world aerosols.