Particle size distribution by laser diffraction (dry mode analysis)

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 %.

Test of 1 bottle at 20 °C with Malvern Spraytec to characterize particle sizes between 0.1 µm and 900 µm with a standard distance between the nozzle and the laser beam. The results are reported for 3 repeat shots. Particle size distribution histograms, percent finers (Dv10, Dv50, Dv90), and % of particles smaller than 5 µm, 10 µm, and 50 µm are reported. Providing two 100% charge spray bottles per analysis is recommended for aerosols. Contact us for a quote and more information on analyses under nonstandard conditions.

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.

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.

Measurement to determine the powder flowability index according to the ASTM D6393 standard for bulk solids characterization. The analysis includes the measurement and calculation of the following parameters: Angle of repose, Aerated bulk density, Packed bulk density, Compressibility, Angle of spatula, Cohesiveness.

EN 15051-2 standard specifies the measurement of dustiness of 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.

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.

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.

Analysis for determining the content of respirable quartz and other forms of respirable crystalline silica in products and materials. The results can be used for labeling purposes and to facilitate the development of safer products. Crystalline silica/quartz is a common ingredient in building products and other materials containing or composed of stone, gravel, clay, or sand. Exposure to respirable silica for extended periods or high exposure for short periods causes silicosis and may lead to the development of lung cancer. This is why a binding limit value has been set for workplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica in EU countries. Ensuring that materials have a low quartz content is the most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent respirable quartz exposure. In EU countries, materials containing crystalline silica and other category 1 carcinogens are subject to a classification obligation, unless carcinogens are present in quantities below 0.1 % (w/w). Consequently, such products should include the warning “May cause lung cancer by inhalation” and “Causes damage to lungs”. The obligation applies to chemically modified mineral products that contain quartz. Additionally, industrial mineral producers (IMA) in the EU have decided that even non-modified mineral products should be classified based on their crystalline silica content (fine fraction), provided the content exceeds 1.0 wt.%. Please contact the expert team through the form below for more details on the analysis.

This analysis provides quantitative information about the crystalline and amorphous phases within your sample using high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). A standard analysis includes: Quantification of crystalline phases as weight percentages, Quantification of the total amorphous content, High-resolution powder diffraction data and the resulting diffractogram, A comprehensive test report detailing the findings. For more advanced needs, we also offer total scattering/pair distribution function (PDF) analysis to reveal the local atomic structure in amorphous or nano-structured materials. Do not hesitate to ask for a quote.