Particle size analysis using laser diffraction

SDTech Micro has a solid experience in the particle size analysis of fine powders.

The firm is equipped with numerous laser particle size analysers including the Malvern Mastersizer MS 3000 and MS 2000 models.
These machines allow to measure a very wide range of particle sizes from 50 nanometres to 3 millimetres (50nm – 3mm). They are equipped with various different modules:

• Dry dispersion unit
• Standard wet dispersion unit

An analytical protocol is established for each product depending on its physical and chemical properties and its intended use: choice of module, choice of dispersion liquid (water, oil, ethanol…), choice of surfactants and/or ultrasound… For reading and comparison of results or deconvolution of the most complex data, the expertise of SDTech Micro is at your disposal. An analysis report is provided for each procedure undertaken.
SDTech Micro is also equipped with several Insitec laser particle analysers, allowing continuous on-line control of particle size during the micronisation process. Our aim is to provide our clients with the best possible service by guaranteeing traceability throughout our procedures.
SDTech Micro can also accompany its clients on their own sits using Insitec technology to control and optimise their processes. The firm uses a fully reliable and extremely mobile Insitec Voyager to provide this service.

Particle size analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy

To complete the particle characterisation of fine powders, SDTech can also provide a visual examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with statistical analysis of the images, if required.

Nano-scale particle size analysis

SDTech Micro can also provide expertise in the field of nano-powder characterisation. To this end, the firm has invested in a Malvern Nano ZS Zetasizer.
This device enables the measurement of size and Zeta potential of nano-particles by combining 3 different techniques:

• Dynamic light scattering to measure particle and molecule size
• Electrophoretic light scattering to measure Zeta potential
• Static light scattering to determine the molar mass of proteins and polymers.

Using this device, SDTech Micro is able to measure sizes ranging from 0.3nm to 10µm in diameter.

The Morphologi G3, an automated particle characterisation system.

SDTech Micro is equipped with a Morphologi G3, an advanced particle characterisation system for measuring the size and shape of particles measuring 0.5 microns to several millimetres. This single instrument provides the necessary flexibility for R&D and problem diagnosis as well as user independent results and the validation required for automated QC analysis (Quality Control). This technique is frequently used in conjunction with laser particle analysis for a better understanding of the product or process behaviour.

Function

The Morphologi G3 measures particle size and shape via static image analysis. There are 3 main stages in the measurement process:

Preparation and dispersion of the sample

This step is critical for obtaining good results. The aim is to achieve the physical separation of individual particles and agglomerates. The Morphologi G3 has an integrated dry powder dispersion system, which renders dry powder sample preparation simple and repeatable. A range of accessories are also available enabling samples to be prepared in the form of liquid suspensions or on membrane filters.

Image capture

The instrument captures images of individual particles by passing the sample under the microscope lenses while maintaining the focus on the particles. The Morphologi G3 is able to cast a very precise amount of light on the sample from above or from below. Polarising filters can also be used in order to study birefringent materials.

Data Analysis

The instrument measures a wide range of morphological parameters for each particle. The software’s advanced graphical representation and data classification options enable relevant data extraction from all your measurement data through an intuitive visual interface which is as simple as possible. The grayscale images are stored individually for each particle, in order to allow qualitative verification of quantitative results.

Time-frame for analysis results

SDTech Micro is committed to completing your Morpho G3 analyses within 48-72 hours following receipt of your samples.

Scanning Electron Microscopy, a visual examination of particles

SDTech can provide scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis in order to visually examine the morphology of very fine powders (<1 µm).

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

SDTech is equipped with Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). This technique is used to study the thermal transitions of a given material (fusion, crystallisation, melting point, glass transition temperature, degradation etc).

Function

The measurement involves determining the variation in heat flux emitted or received by a given sample when subjected to changes in temperature. During the heating or cooling process, any change in a material is accompanied by an endothermic or exothermic heat exchange. The DSC is able to pinpoint the temperature at which the changes take place and provide qualitative and quantitative information about these reactions.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measures the changes in mass of a sample as it is heated.
This technique is mainly used to characterize materials according to their composition.
It gives access to the mass composition of a mixture and to its thermal stability.
Its fields of application include thermoplastic materials, elastomers, thermosets, metals, ceramics, but also various cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical formulations…

Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)

Complementary to DSC, Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) allows the study of weak transitions at high temperatures (up to 1100°C).

Information on the thermal behaviour of the powder is obtained by following the evolution of the temperature difference between the sample studied and a reference sample.
The samples are placed in an enclosure subjected to a predefined programme of temperatures (heating or cooling). This enables us to obtain a differential thermal curve based on the change in the chemical composition or the crystal structure of the sample.

SDTech Micro is committed to completing your TGA analyses within 48 hours following receipt of your samples.
DSC and DTA analyses require 7 to 10 days.