Laser Diffraction Academy:
How to choose the right Dispersion Accessories for your samples
Particle Characterization
In the technique of Particle Size Analysis, the distribution of sizes in a sample, either of solid or liquid particulate material is measured and reported. This analytical technique is important to characterize a wide range of final-product performance factors.
Combining a modern sizing technique and state of the art nanoparticle measurement, the LA-960V2 laser diffraction particle size analyser measuring from 10 nanometers to 5milimeters in only seconds. The concept of laser diffraction based on the nature of particle will scatter light at an angle depending by that particle’s size. A large particles scatter light at a smaller angle, whereas small particle scatter light at a wider angle. The various particles in a sample will produce a light scattering pattern of various intensity and angle depending on its size and shape. This information will be transformed into a particle size distribution result.
Figure 1: Diffraction pattern of a plan wave scattering from a spheroid.
Figure 2: 30, 40, 50 and 70 nanometer materials measured independently on the LA-960V2.
Upon choosing an appropriate particle measurement technique that meets your objective, the next step is deciding how to get the sample into the instrument for measurement. The important question to decide on this would be "How much and what size do you have"? For laser diffraction, there are many dispersion accessories options available.
Sample handling decision drivers
- Particle size (affects settling, dispersion)
- Distribution width
- Available sample quantity
- Sample form (dry powder or liquid dispersion)
- Dispersant type(s) (water or organic solvents)
