Analytical Techniques and methods

Analytical techniques are vital for understanding and optimizing the properties of powders and materials. From particle size analysis and flowability testing to porosity and surface area evaluation, these methods provide essential insights into material behavior. Advanced tools like SEM imaging, BET analysis, and zeta potential measurement ensure precision and drive quality across applications.

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Featured Analytical Techniques and methods Articles

Powders and Coatings in Orthopedic Implants
Through the innovative use of Powders and Coatings in Orthopedic Implants, the landscape is changing in a great way. Orthopedic implants, used to replace damaged bones such as the femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, or acetabulum, rely on anatomically designed biomaterials and advanced surface engineering. These innovations ensure implants are durable, biocompatible, and capable [...]
Exploring the Microscopic World of Particle Surfaces using SEM
In this article, we will cover Surface morphology analysis using SEM. The potential to uncover hidden details at the microscopic level transforms a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to aerospace. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) offers this capability, providing critical insights into surface morphology and material behavior. Importance of Surface [...]
Powder Packing Density: Assessing and Optimizing
Understanding how particles pack together is crucial across industries like pharmaceuticals and construction, as optimizing this process can significantly enhance product performance and processing efficiency. Powder packing density is a key parameter that influences the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of materials. Powder Packing Density Packing density refers to [...]
Lab-on-a-Chip Fabrication: Deposition Techniques (part 3)
In the second series of lab-on-a-chip, we learned about photolithography. This technique fabricates lab-on-a-chip devices by defining complex microscale features on the substrate. In the third installment, we will explore thin-film deposition techniques. This will deepen our understanding of lab-on-a-chip fabrication. Thin-film deposition enhances the functionality and performance of lab-on-a-chip devices. It enables [...]
The Power of Photolithography and Etching: Lab-on-a-Chip fabrication (part 2)
Photolithography and Etching In the first part of our series on lab-on-a-chip technology, we looked into various scientific disciplines, including microfluidics, materials science, chemistry, and engineering, that have led to the development of the lab-on-a-chip analytical approach. The article gave a perspective on how advancements in microfabrication techniques, particularly photolithography and thin-film [...]

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Analytical Techniques and methods: Particle Size Analysis

Particle size analysis is a cornerstone of powder characterization, offering critical insights into material performance and behavior. Accurate measurement of particle size impacts flowability, packing density, and reactivity, influencing applications across industries like pharmaceuticals, construction, and food production. Explore advanced techniques such as sieving, laser diffraction, and dynamic light scattering to ensure precision and optimize product quality.

Featured Particle Size Analysis Articles

How Shape Influences Flow: Spherical vs. Irregular Particles
Particle shape plays a critical role in the behavior of bulk solids, particularly in how they flow under various conditions. While particle size often dominates discussions about flowability, shape is an equally important factor that can make or break processes in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to mining. Understanding the nuanced differences between spherical and [...]
Mixing Effects of Pigments in Concrete
"Pigments in Concrete MixingPigments in concrete mixing enhance aesthetics while offering functional benefits. Their effectiveness depends largely on physical properties, especially particle size and distribution, which influence not only color but also structural characteristics like density and permeability. Proper understanding and application of pigments ensure consistent results across decorative and structural uses. [...]
Exploring the Microscopic World of Particle Surfaces using SEM
In this article, we will cover Surface morphology analysis using SEM. The potential to uncover hidden details at the microscopic level transforms a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to aerospace. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) offers this capability, providing critical insights into surface morphology and material behavior. Importance of Surface [...]

Analytical Techniques and methods: Flowability Testing

Flowability testing is essential for understanding powders’ behaviour during handling, storage, and processing. By measuring properties like flow rate, angle of repose, and cohesive strength, these tests help predict performance and identify potential issues like clogging or segregation. Explore advanced tools and techniques that ensure efficient material flow, optimize processes, and maintain product quality across industries.

Featured Flowability Testing Articles

How Shape Influences Flow: Spherical vs. Irregular Particles
Particle shape plays a critical role in the behavior of bulk solids, particularly in how they flow under various conditions. While particle size often dominates discussions about flowability, shape is an equally important factor that can make or break processes in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to mining. Understanding the nuanced differences between spherical and [...]
Assessing Powder Packing Density
In many industries, from pharmaceuticals to construction, powder packing density plays a critical role. It directly influences mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, which affect product performance and processing efficiency. What is Powder Packing Density? Packing density refers to how much of a given volume is occupied by powder particles. It [...]
Common Bulk Powders Used in Global Industry
Bulk Powders in Industry: An introduction Bulk powders are fundamental to many of the world’s largest industries. They serve as essential materials for sectors like construction, food production, chemicals, and manufacturing. Technological innovation, urbanization, and global trade have driven their increasing use. As societies expand, so does the need for these powders [...]

Analytical Techniques and methods: Microscopy Tools

Microscopy tools provide a window into the microscopic world of powders and materials, revealing critical details about particle shape, size, and surface properties. From high-resolution imaging with SEM to advanced techniques like confocal and atomic force microscopy, these tools deliver precise insights into material characteristics. Explore how microscopy enhances understanding, quality control, and innovation across industries.

Featured Microscopy Tools Articles

Exploring the Microscopic World of Particle Surfaces using SEM
In this article, we will cover Surface morphology analysis using SEM. The potential to uncover hidden details at the microscopic level transforms a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to aerospace. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) offers this capability, providing critical insights into surface morphology and material behavior. Importance of Surface [...]
Assessing Powder Packing Density
In many industries, from pharmaceuticals to construction, powder packing density plays a critical role. It directly influences mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, which affect product performance and processing efficiency. What is Powder Packing Density? Packing density refers to how much of a given volume is occupied by powder particles. It [...]
Functional Component Integration: Lab-on-a-Chip Fabrication (part 4)
Functional component integration: An introduction In the previous series on lab-on-a-chip technology, we explored how to deposit thin films of materials onto substrates. This key step in fabrication enables the creation of functional layers essential for the adhesion of sensors, electrodes, coatings, and other components. Now, we will examine how to build [...]

Analytical Techniques and methods: Porosity and Surface Area Testing

Porosity and surface area testing are critical for understanding material performance in applications such as filtration, catalysis, and adsorption. By analyzing pore size distribution, surface area, and material density, these methods provide insights into how powders interact with gases, liquids, and other solids. Techniques like BET analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and gas adsorption enable precise evaluations, helping to optimize product design and process efficiency across industries.

Featured Porosity and Surface Area Testing Articles

Exploring Metal-Organic Frameworks: The Future of Porous Materials and Gas Storage
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are new, porous, crystalline materials drawing attention for their versatility. These materials consist of metal ions or clusters linked with organic molecules. Scientists can customize MOFs for specific uses by tweaking their structure. In the late 1990s, researchers like Omar Yaghi introduced MOFs using a modular design. This approach lets [...]
Adsorption and BET analysis by physical gas adsorption
In physical gas adsorption, an inert gas, typically nitrogen, adsorbs onto solid material surfaces. This adsorption occurs on the outer surface and, in porous materials, within internal pore surfaces. BET analysis, a well-known method, measures surface area by gas adsorption. Often, it is simply called BET surface area measurement. Nitrogen forms an adsorption isotherm, [...]
Porosity analysis by mercury porosimetry
Mercury porosimetry uses mercury’s non-wetting properties to reveal key porous characteristics in solid materials. These include porosity, pore volume, pore size distribution, and apparent density. During a typical analysis, we fully submerge the sample in mercury and apply a pressure cycle. Because mercury resists wetting surfaces, higher pressure is needed to force mercury [...]

Analytical Techniques and methods: Moisture and Thermal Analysis

Moisture and thermal analysis are essential for evaluating the behavior of materials under varying conditions. These techniques provide insights into moisture content, thermal stability, and decomposition processes, critical for optimizing production, storage, and application. From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to moisture content testing, these methods ensure material quality and performance across industries.

Featured Moisture and Thermal Analysis Articles

Processing Techniques Involving Liquids and Gases – Drying (Part 4)
In this series, we have thoroughly explored key processing techniques involving liquids and gases, delving deep into the intricacies of crystallization, granulation, and atomization. These articles have offered valuable insights into their underlying principles, diverse applications, and recent advancements. Now, as we bring this series to a close, we shift our focus [...]
Nanoparticles: How Size Affects Material Properties
In this weekly insight, we will dive into nanoparticle handling and safety challenges. Nanoparticles, typically defined as particles with at least one dimension below 100 nanometers, have garnered significant attention due to their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. These properties, distinct from their bulk counterparts, arise primarily from two key factors: increased surface [...]
Powder Metallurgy: Advantages and Emerging Trends
In this article, we will discuss Emerging Trends in Powder Metallurgy as well as the advantages made. Powder metallurgy (PM) is an innovative process that turns metal powders into finished products, offering a combination of efficiency, precision, and sustainability. It’s gaining traction across industries like automotive, aerospace, and healthcare for good reason. This week, [...]

Analytical Techniques and methods: Chemical Composition Analysis

Chemical composition analysis provides critical insights into the elemental and molecular makeup of materials. By employing techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), these methods identify material properties, impurities, and chemical stability. Understanding chemical composition ensures product quality, compliance with standards, and optimization across various industrial applications.

Featured Chemical Composition Analysis Articles

Processing Techniques Involving Liquids and Gases – Drying (Part 4)
In this series, we have thoroughly explored key processing techniques involving liquids and gases, delving deep into the intricacies of crystallization, granulation, and atomization. These articles have offered valuable insights into their underlying principles, diverse applications, and recent advancements. Now, as we bring this series to a close, we shift our focus [...]
Nanoparticles: How Size Affects Material Properties
In this weekly insight, we will dive into nanoparticle handling and safety challenges. Nanoparticles, typically defined as particles with at least one dimension below 100 nanometers, have garnered significant attention due to their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. These properties, distinct from their bulk counterparts, arise primarily from two key factors: increased surface [...]
Powder Metallurgy: Advantages and Emerging Trends
In this article, we will discuss Emerging Trends in Powder Metallurgy as well as the advantages made. Powder metallurgy (PM) is an innovative process that turns metal powders into finished products, offering a combination of efficiency, precision, and sustainability. It’s gaining traction across industries like automotive, aerospace, and healthcare for good reason. This week, [...]

Analytical Techniques and methods: Bulk Solids Testing

Bulk solids testing evaluates the unique properties of powders and granular materials to optimize their handling, storage, and processing. Techniques like rotating drum analyzers, shear cells, and uniaxial compression testing reveal insights into flow dynamics, shear strength, and compressibility. These methods ensure efficiency and reliability across industries, supporting consistent performance in diverse applications.

Featured Bulk Solids Testing Articles

Silica Fume Applications: Transforming Construction and Powder Technology
Silica fume, also known as microsilica, is an ultrafine material composed of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It is produced as a byproduct in electric arc furnaces during the manufacturing of silicon metal and ferrosilicon alloys. Initially treated as industrial waste, silica fume is now a valuable material, thanks to its unique physical and [...]
Exploring Metal-Organic Frameworks: The Future of Porous Materials and Gas Storage
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are new, porous, crystalline materials drawing attention for their versatility. These materials consist of metal ions or clusters linked with organic molecules. Scientists can customize MOFs for specific uses by tweaking their structure. In the late 1990s, researchers like Omar Yaghi introduced MOFs using a modular design. This approach lets [...]