Innovations in Particle Characterization Particle Size Analysis of Pigments and Inks

If you are involved in the formulation of pigments, powder coatings, and inks, you might have questioned the following:

  • How does diluting the pigment or ink emulsion impact particle interactions?
  • Will there be any effects of agglomeration or flocculation?
  • Are the zeta potential values still reliable to determine stability after diluting the solution?
  • How do pH and conductivity values affect the samples?
  • What is the exact amount of titrant required to create a stable formulation?

Additive manufacturing technologies are increasingly used in the construction of machines, means of transportation and many other products. In aircraft construction, for example Metallic 3-D printing opens entirely new possibilities for weight reduction, and consequently the reduction of kerosene consumption.

Parts that previously had to be assembled from dozens of individual components can now be manufactured directly in one piece. Advances in the development of additive manufacturing allow more and more parts to be produced in large quantities by 3D printing. 

Metal Powders used for additive manufacturing must meet the highest quality standards: The particle size distribution should be narrow and must be known as precisely as possible in order to control the behavior of the material during the sintering process.

MICROTRAC particle analyzers are ideally suited to determine the particle size distribution of metal powders used for additive manufacturing processes. The following provides an introduction to the suitable measuring technologies, general considerations as well as different examples of metal powder particle characterization.

Microtracでは、レーザ回折、DLS、画像解析など多様な粒子径測定技術を用いた製品を提供しています。

ASTM E3427-24 Standard

Standard Guide for measuring intensity, polydispersity, size, zeta potential, molecular weight, and concentration of nanoparticles in liquid suspension using laser-amplified detection / power spectrum analysis (LAD / PSA) technology.

  • Measure scarce and valuable samples as small as 2 microliters – at full strength
  • Measure at concentrations as high as 40 cubic centimeters per milliliter
  • No interference from dust or large contaminants
  • No need for dilution of inks, paints, or polystyrene standards to avoid changing ionic strength of the sample

Microtrac’s NANOTRAC FLEX and STABINO ZETA utilize unique technologies that can measure your samples undiluted or at higher concentrations.

  • The STABINO ZETA is the preferred choice for accurately determining zeta potential and colloidal stability
  • It can perform fast titrations and replace classical zeta potential measurement
  • Particle surface charge and interface potentials like the zeta potential and streaming potential are commonly used to characterize the stability of suspensions, emulsions, and nanoparticles

The Perfect Solution for Pigments & Inks

For accurate determination of zeta potential and colloidal stability, the STABINO ZETA is the first choice. It replaces the classical zeta potential measurement and has the ability to perform very fast titrations. Combined with Microtrac MRB's NANOTRAC FLEX DLS analyzer, the STABINO ZETA offers the highest flexibility in your laboratory!
  • Simultaneous determination of 5 measurement parameters within a few seconds:
    • Zeta potential, streaming potential, conductivity, pH value, temperature
  • Particle size as an additional parameter when combined with the NANOTRAC FLEX
  • Mix and Measure principal without prior knowledge
  • Innovative probe design enables measurement over a wide concentration range
  • STABINO ZETA software allows for real-time monitoring of your measurement
  • Sample volume: 1 ml, 10 ml

Interested? Contact us for free sample evaluations, instrument demonstration or for a quotation!

Want to know more? Click on the image to take a look at our extensive brochure for our DLS portfolio, of which we will gladly send you a high-quality print version. Or discover the many different areas in which Microtrac's DLS particle analyzers are used by checking out our numerous application notes. In addition, we offer a comprehensive insight into the DLS methodology, which you can access through our Knowledge Base.