Laser diffraction

Dynamic Light Scattering

Microscopy and digital image analysis

Scanning electron microscopy / EDX

Gasadsorption (BET)

Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Air permeability

Helium pycnometry

Mercury porosimetry

Apparent volume

Flowability

Rotary sample divider

Instrument and measuring principle
The diffraction light pattern
(He-Ne laser) is dependent on the particle size. The laser diffraction pattern is measured and correlated to the particle size distribution based on Fraunhofer or Mie theory. The use of Mie theory presupposes knowledge of the light refractive index of the particles and the dispersion media and the imaginary part of the refractive index of the particles.

The laser diffraction instrument Malvern Mastersizer 2000 has the following units:

Malvern Mastersizer 2000

Prerequisites
Dry dispersion of particles:
Min. 1 – 10 g of substance.
Wet dispersion of particles:
Min. 10 – 200 mg of substance.

Wet dispersion presupposes that the particles are insoluble in the liquid. Solubility data required. Low viscous organic or aqueous media are applicable.
More sample is required for method development.

Parameters and applications
Volume particle size distribution (0.02 – 2000 µm).
Applicable to particle size measurements on granulates and pellets (replaces time consuming sieve analysis).
Specific surface area can be calculated on basis of the particle size distribution.