Cleanliness of automotive components according to VDA 19.1 and ISO 16232

Analysis of the specific surface area of porous, solid materials according to the BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) theory. Analysis can be performed with N2 or Kr gases, depending on the expected surface area of the material. BET curve and the specific surface area (in m2/g) are reported. The required sample amount depends on the expected surface area. As a rule of thumb, at least 5 m2 of surface area should be available for measurement. The following gas adsorption devices are used for this measurement: Micromeritics Gemini VII 2390, Micromeritics ASAP 2020, Micromeritics TriStar II 3020, Anton Paar Nova 800.

Determination of particle size distribution (PSD) by Laser Diffraction (LD). Analysis can be performed on dispersions or solids that can be dispersed in water or organic solvents. The method can analyze particle sizes from ~0.010 µm to 2000 µm. The test report will include a particle size distribution graph, values for volumetric mean = D[4,3], and the following percent finers (percent finers represent the amount of the material from the sample that is smaller than a certain size): Dv(10) / D(v,0.1) / 10 % , Dv(25) / D(v,0.25) / 25 % , Dv(50) / D(v,0.5) / 50 % = median, Dv(75) / D(v,0.75) / 75 % , Dv(90) / D(v,0.9) / 90 %.

Particle size distribution (PSD) is determined from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of around 150 particles. Depending on the particle shapes, the method includes calculations on the diameters or lengths and widths of the particles. In addition to size, SEM provides qualitative information about surface morphology. SEM is a good option for irregularly shaped and non-spherical particles such as fibers, rods, and crystals that cannot be characterized meaningfully with traditional methods, including laser diffraction (LD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). As a result of the analysis, SEM images and the determined particle size distribution for diameter (or one Feret dimension) are delivered. Samples must be completely dry for SEM. If the particles are wet or dispersed in a solvent, the sample may be dried with a suitable sample preparation method before imaging. Ask the method expert for more information and a price for analyzing your samples.

Determination of particle contamination on wafers or thin films up to 300 mm in diameter using an optical particle counter in a class 10 (ISO Class 4) cleanroom. We have access to several instruments (KLA-Tencor Surfscan 6200, Candela CS10V, etc.), and upon request, two different instruments can be used to cross-verify particle counts. The results are reported as particle counts by size range, in both tabular and histogram format. Contamination maps of wafer surfaces are also provided. Please note that the best-case detection limit of 0.08 µm applies to latex particles on bare silicon wafers. The smallest detectable particle size is typically higher for thin films due to interference from the coating. When requesting an offer, please disclose the size and number of wafers, and let us know whether they are bare or coated. In case of coated wafers, please also disclose the composition and approximate thickness of the film.

Determination of powder flowability index (Carr index) according to the ASTM D6393 standard for bulk solids characterization. The analysis is performed with the Hosokawa Powder Tester and includes the measurement and calculation of the following parameters: Angle of repose, Aerated bulk density, Packed bulk density, Compressibility, Angle of spatula, Cohesiveness/Uniformity. The Carr Index of Flowability is calculated based on these parameters and expressed as a number between 0 and 100, with higher numbers indicating better flowability. The results from the individual tests will also be reported. Test conditions, including temperature and relative humidity, can be tailored to match the sample material's typical processing environment. A floodability analysis, which is the tendency to act like a liquid when there is air between the particles, can also be performed. Contact us for more information and to request a quote.

EN 15051-2 standard specifies the measurement of dustiness of powders and bulk materials according to the rotating drum method. It is a widely accepted procedure designed to simulate the handling processes that can generate airborne dust. The material dust, generated by the rotation of the drum, is separated into three different fractions. Inhalable, thoracic, and respirable dustiness mass fractions (in mg/kg and in %, if required) are reported. The inhalable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 µm., The thoracic fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 µm., The respirable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 4.25 µm.. Along with the fractions of the airborne particles, the dustiness potential (very low, low, moderate, or high), the density, and the moisture content of the sample are also reported. See this example report for more details.

Particle size analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis is performed in conformity with the 2022 European Commission recommendation on the definition of nanomaterials (2022/C 229/01). At least 300 particles are measured, the minimum Feret diameter is chosen as the dimensional parameter, and the particle size distribution histogram is reported. By default, the following data are reported: Mean, Median (d50), Number-based nano percentage according to 2022/C 229/01 definition . Please indicate if you want any other statistics reported. These projects are priced per population of similar particles. If the qualitative SEM analysis reveals multiple populations, the price needs to be adjusted according to the number of populations to be reported. This method can be used to establish the presence of small particles including nanoparticles according to EFSA novel food guidance (Particle-TR). In this case, the following statistics are also included in the report: mean and median, 10% value of the total particles, % of the particles that are smaller than 500 nm, % of the fraction of small particles that are smaller than 250 nm. For cosmetics applications, the following statistics are provided: mean and median, 10% value of the total particles, Number-based nano percentage according to 2022/C 229/01 definition . This analysis can be coupled with XRD analysis for crystallinity information, or with VSSA analysis for specific surface area information.

Determination of particle size distribution (PSD) by laser diffraction (LD). The analysis is performed on powder samples in dry mode (i.e., without dispersion). The method can analyze particle sizes from ~0.4 µm to 2000–3500 µm. The analysis is performed according to ISO 13320. The test report will include a particle size distribution graph, values for volumetric mean = D[4,3], and the following percent finers (percent finers represent the amount of the material that is smaller than a certain size): Dv(10) / D(v,0.1) / 10 %, Dv(25) / D(v,0.25) / 25 %, Dv(50) / D(v,0.5) / 50 % = median, Dv(75) / D(v,0.75) / 75 %, Dv(90) / D(v,0.9) / 90 %. Additional statistical data can be included in the report. The following tools are used for the analysis: Beckman Coulter LS230 , Malvern Mastersizer 2000 and 3000 (with Scirocco 2000 or Aero S add-on).

In single particle optical sensing (SPOS), a dilute particle suspension is passed through a narrow sensing zone where individual particles are detected by the obstruction or scattering of a light beam. The signal from each particle is proportional to its size, allowing the number and size of particles to be measured. The results will include both number- and volume-based particle size distribution characteristics (means, cumulative percent finers, etc.), as well as histograms. The particle concentration per mL of liquid suspension can also be reported. Upon request, the analysis can be conducted under GMP. Please ask our experts for more information and a quote.

The particle size distribution (PSD) and shapes of the particles are determined using image analysis. The method is suitable for particles sized 10 to 3,000 µm. Image analysis characterizes particle shapes, such as fibers, rods, and crystals, that cannot be analyzed meaningfully with traditional devices, such as laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering. Depending on the particle shapes, results typically include size distribution for length, width, and equivalent circular area (ECA) diameter.