IAPAN - Equipment

Laboratory of Applied Optical Measurement Techniques

Particle size measurements (0.6 nm – 6 μm) using PCS (Photo Correlation Spectroscopy)
Examination of particles suspended in water and non-water media.
Very small sample volume (approx. 1 ml) and short analysis time
Measurements in a wide temperature range (2-90^oC)
Measurement of zeta potential of dispersed particles of sizes from 3 nm to 10 μm using LDV (Laser Doppler Velocimetry), M3 (Mixed Mode Measurement) and PALS (Phase Analysis Light Scattering).

Examples of use:

Analysis of particle sizes, polydispersity and zeta potential of nanomaterials in various dispersion media. Analysis of stability of emulsions. Stability characteristics of colloid systems. Analysis of aggregation-dispersion processes in suspensions of soils, minerals and biomaterials (e.g. bacteria, proteins), etc.
Measurements of particle sizes and/or the zeta potential in potable water, filtered liquids (for filtering performance), emulsion of foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, suspensions of powders, dusts, pigments, toners, and various deposits

Determination of the particle size (granulometric) distribution in the range of 0.02 µm - 2 mm using laser diffraction methods
Low amounts of tested materials (from 0.5 to several grams).
Application of inorganic and organic dispersion media
Short analysis time

Examples of use:

Stability of soil aggregates. Dynamics of dispersion processes in various media. Determination of granulometric composition of soils, sediments and thin deposits
Determination of the granulometric distribution of soils, deposits, microorganisms and small organisms (i.e. algae, yeast, protozoa), powders, dusts and pollutants in various dispersion media. Determination of the particle size distribution in foodstuffs (e.g. beverages, fruit juices, starch, chocolate) and other materials

Measurement of particle sizes in the range from 0.5 µm to 2 mm using optical microscopy and image analysis
Determination of size distribution with precise determination of the number of analysed particles.
Particle size distribution based on many pre-programmed parameters (e.g. elongation, circularity, convexity and others).
Examination of dry powdered materials and their liquid suspensions
Colour microscopic photography of samples.

Examples of use:

Analysis of the size and shape of particles in dry and dispersed forms. Examination of the size, shape and count of synthetic or natural granular materials (powders, etc.), plant materials (e.g. seeds, plant roots, etc.), biomaterials and microorganisms
Measurements of the size, shape and count of particles – wide selection of materials (suspensions, deposits, filter contaminants, microorganisms, dusts, powders, microcapsules, granulates, etc.).