Most industrial materials and products consist of solids and powders. Particle size, size distribution, and shape are crucial physical characteristics that significantly affect powder behavior during processing and handling, including flowability, mixing, transport, caking, and storage.
Laboratory particle size analysis, through characterization of size distribution and shape, is a valuable tool in R&D and Quality Control.
It holds importance across fields such as crystal growth, ceramic and alloy properties, emulsion stability, taste experience, catalyst activity, paint appearance and performance, and wastewater management. Consequently, industries like pharmaceuticals, food and feed, and chemicals and petrochemicals frequently use particle size analysis techniques.
Optimizing Analysis Conditions for Practical Application and Research
Droplet size distribution, closely linked to particle size analysis, is essential for sprays, nebulizers, and other aerosols. Droplet size analysis optimizes nozzle design, enhances inkjet printing, limits pesticide use, and boosts medicine effectiveness. Smaller droplets can significantly increase effectiveness by targeting specific body areas, supported by selecting the right particle size analysis technique.
Our laboratory offers various modern particle size analysis methods, including Laser Diffraction, Electrical Sensing Zone, Photon Correlation Spectroscopy, Image Analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. We also utilize traditional methods like Sedimentation and Sieve Analysis, with sieving providing an accessible link to industry, especially for large-scale applications. The most suitable particle size analysis technique depends on the particle size range and required resolution.
Tailored Solutions for Precise Particle Size Analysis
Our range of techniques allows us to obtain particle size distribution data across a wide range, from nanometers to millimeters, with high resolution depending on the chosen technique. Laser diffraction, for example, covers a broad size range with decent resolution, while the electrical sensing zone achieves phenomenal resolution (down to sub-micrometers) but has a limited size range in a single measurement. Coupling different aperture tubes within the same sample can partially address this limitation.
We strive to analyze particle size distributions under conditions that closely match practical applications and address specific research questions. This approach means conducting particle size analysis in air (dry) or dispersed in a suitable liquid, which may be water, non-polar media, or organic media like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, cyclohexane, or butanol. Temperature and humidity can also play crucial roles, making them essential considerations when selecting optimal analysis conditions.
Providing the best particle size analysis requires not only choosing the right technique but also establishing the appropriate conditions. For tailored advice on your particle size analysis needs, contact Delft Solids Solutions at +31 174 271 460.
