Particle Characterization: Advanced Techniques for Size, Shape, Surface, and Stability

Discover particle characterization methods for all possible applications. Learn about size, shape, surface area, and stability and discover the possibilities of laser diffraction, DLS, image analysis, sorption measurement, zeta potential, and SMLS with Microtrac equipment.

Introduction to Particle Characterization

Particle characterization is the systematic analysis of particulate properties such as size, shape, surface area, surface charge, and stability. These characteristics dictate how powders flow, how emulsions remain stable, how drugs dissolve, and how advanced materials perform.

From pharmaceuticals and food to mining, energy, and additive manufacturing, industries rely on particle characterization techniques to ensure quality, optimize processes, and maintain compliance with international standards.

Microtrac provides the broadest portfolios in the field, covering every aspect of particle characterization:

• Size and shape with laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis
• Nanoparticles and zeta potential with dynamic light scattering, electrokinetic, and streaming methods
• Surface area and porosity with gas adsorption
• Stability and shelf-life with Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS)
• Density with gas pycnometry

This page explores the key particle characterization methods, their applications, and how Microtrac’s instruments deliver accurate, reproducible, and standards-compliant results.

Particle Characterization Techniques

Laserová difrakcia

Laser diffraction is the most widely adopted method to determine a particle size distribution. A laser passes through a dispersed sample, and detectors measure scattering patterns.

Advantages:

• Wide range: sub-micron to millimeters
• Fast and repeatable measurements
• Compliant with ISO 13320 and USP <429>

Microtrac SYNC: The SYNC uniquely integrates laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis in one instrument, delivering both size and shape data from a single run.

Results are calculated using Mie or Fraunhofer theory to produce a volume-based size distribution.

Dynamický rozptyl svetla (DLS)

Dynamic Light Scattering measures nanoparticles by analyzing fluctuations in scattered light caused by Brownian motion.

Advantages:

• Ideal for 0.3 nm to 1 µm particles.
• Wide concentration range, dilution often not necessary
• Standardized by ISO 22412

Microtrac NANOTRAC FLEX: The NANOTRAC FLEX offers exceptional sensitivity for nanoparticles and can analyze even concentrated or turbid suspensions with minimal sample preparation.

Zeta Potential and Surface Charge

Zeta potential influences how particles interact with their environment by affecting surface charge, which in turn impacts properties like adhesion, filtration efficiency, rheology, and biological compatibility. Beyond colloidal stability, it plays a key role in drug delivery, membrane fouling, protein aggregation, and electrokinetic behavior in microfluidic systems. Measuring zeta potential helps predict whether particles will remain dispersed or aggregate over time.

Advantages:

• Key for understanding colloidal stability in suspensions and emulsions
• Enables formulation optimization

Microtrac STABINO ZETA: The STABINO ZETA combines zeta potential analysis with an integrated titration unit (e.g. pH or additive) to map surface charge behavior in real time.

Together, NANOTRAC FLEX (DLS) and STABINO ZETA form a powerful duo for analyzing nanoparticles and colloids.

Dynamická analýza obrazu

Dynamic image analysis records high-speed images of particles in motion, then measures their size and shape. Unlike many other particle characterization techniques, DIA does not assume spherical geometry, making it ideal where morphology is critical.

Advantages:

• Measures size and shape simultaneously
• Detects irregular and oversized particles
• Standardized by ISO 13322-2

Microtrac CAMSIZER Series:

• CAMSIZER X2: Particle size and shape analysis from 0.8 µm – 8 mm with dual-camera technology.
• CAMSIZER 3D: Multi-angle imaging reconstructs true 3D morphology, offering unmatched detail for irregular particles.

Gas Adsorption (Surface Area & Porosity)

Gas adsorption (including BET analysis) measures how gases adsorb onto particle surfaces to determine specific surface area and pore size distribution.

Applications:

• Catalysts, adsorbents, and energy materials
• Porous solids in construction and ceramics
• Nanomaterials with high surface-to-volume ratios

Microtrac BELSORP Series: The BELSORP line ensures precise BET surface area and porosity measurements in compliance with ISO 9277.

Stability and Shelf-Life (SMLS)

Dispersion stability determines whether emulsions, suspensions, or colloids remain uniform over time. Static Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS) tracks changes in backscattered and transmitted light to detect phenomena such as sedimentation, creaming, or flocculation.

Advantages:

• Real-time monitoring without dilution
• Detects early signs of instability
• Accelerates shelf-life prediction

Microtrac TURBISCAN Range: The TURBISCAN series is the reference for stability analysis. It evaluates emulsions, suspensions, and dispersions in industries from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to food and coatings, enabling formulators to predict shelf life in hours instead of months.

Density Measurement (Pycnometry)

Gas pycnometry determines the true density of solids and powders by measuring gas displacement.

Applications:

• Metal powders for additive manufacturing
• Ceramics and construction materials
• Pharmaceutical powders and excipients

Microtrac BELPYCNO: The BELPYCNO delivers high-precision density measurements in compliance with ASTM B923 and ISO 1183.

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