Comparison of Particle Size Analysers and Evaluation of Its Measuring Technique with Fine Ceramics Powders (Part 1)

Abstract

To measure the particle size distribution of fine ceramics powders, many models based on various measuring principles have been developed. Although sample is the same, the particle size distributions which are obtained by these various models do not always agree. This scatter may be caused by the difference of the equipment or sample preparation condition, but the details have been yet unknown. So the particle size distributions which are obtained with different commercial analysers must be compared systematically by optimizing and standardizing the condition of sample preparation. In this study, alumina, barium titanate and granulated zirconia powders were used as samples, and the features of these measuring principles were clarified by analyzing the obtained data for each sample, and the following results were obtained. (1) In spherical powders having narrow distribution, a good dispersibility and micron meter size, the obtained data are independent of the measuring principles and models if the sample preparation conditions are standardized. (2) In granulated powders having wide distribution, a remarkable scatter is indicated by the measuring principle. The effect of the ultrasonication condition can not be disregarded for the dispersion of granulated powder. The importance of the quantitative evaluation method of dispersion state is suggested.