A micro-mechanistic approach is employed here, in order to explain the fluidisation behaviour of the equilibrium catalyst E-Cat. This work is based on previous observations, reported elsewhere, of the increase in particle interactions when fluidising E-Cat powder at high temperatures (up to 200 degreesC). Our approach provides insight into the understanding of the bonding mechanisms developed between pairs of particles at these temperatures. The determination of drying curves at 100, 150 and 200 degreesC, together with the experimental validation of the thermo-mechanical analysis carried out on E-Cat samples, are discussed; furthermore, details of a unique device, termed the high temperature micro-force balance (HTMFB) and based on a micromanipulation technique that couples force measurement with direct observation, are presented. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.