Particle sizing of colloidal suspensions by low-coherence fiber optic dynamic light scattering

A low-coherence fiber optic dynamic light scattering technique is used to measure the particle size distributions of colloidal suspensions with different volume fractions. We detect electric field autocorrelation function of the singly backscattered light from a sample and use the CONTIN algorithm to obtain the particle size distributions. As a result, in the range of volume fractions from 0.01 to 0.10 of monodispersive colloidal suspensions, the mean particle size with the deviation within 4% and the polydispersity approximate 5% can be determined for particles of different radii. The results demonstrate that the low-coherence fiber optic dynamic light scattering technique is effective in measuring particle size of colloidal suspensions.     

Particle Size Distribution Measurement and Assessment of Agglomeration of Commercial Nanosized Ceramic Particles

ABSTRACT

Commercially available powders with primary particle sizes of 10–100?nm (transition aluminas, Boehmites, and a commercially available silica dispersion) have been studied using three different instruments, a photocentrifuge (Horiba CAPA 700), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS, Malvern Zetasizer 4), and an x-ray disc centrifuge (XDC, Brookhaven X-ray Disc Centrifuge BI-XDC). Particle size distributions for five powders were collected with each instrument and in conjunction with nitrogen adsorption measurements an agglomeration factor calculated. An example is given to show the importance of using a light scattering correction when measuring particle size distributions with a photocentrifuge for a gamma alumina powder where the uncorrected data can overestimate the D _V50 by up to a factor of 10 depending on the powder. The importance of the assessment of agglomeration and how different treatments such as milling modifies the agglomeration factor F _AG is illustrated for an “as received” and attrition milled gamma alumina. Results are discussed with respect to the assumptions and limitations of the different instruments. Results are presented after consideration of the hydrodynamic density in the sedimentation methods, and light scattering for the optical based methods. For narrow size distributions in the 15–25?nm range all three instruments show very a good correlation. When the size range approaches the 40–100?nm regime PCS is very sensitivity to small populations of agglomerates. The instrument giving the best resolution in the 10–100?nm range was found to be the XDC. The speed of measurement should also be born in mind and varies enormously from several minutes for the PCS to several hours for the sedimentation techniques. To assess the accuracy of the measured sizes a model spherical silica powder was analyzed on all the instruments as well as by image analysis. The results with the silica powder showed how the accuracy of the sedimentation methods depends strongly on a knowledge of the suspended particles hydrodynamic density. This can be effected greatly by particle or agglomerate porosity and the thickness of the electrical double layer in the aqueous dispersions investigated. The results with the silica suggest accuracy's on the size better than ±20% is difficult without an accurate hydrodynamic density whereas consistency between methods for narrow size distributions can be better than 5% for median volume diameters.     

Measurement of the Dispersity of Multicomponent Mixtures of Monodisperse Latexes by the Dynamic Light Scattering

The potentialities of the dynamic light scattering method for measuring the dispersity of colloids consisting of several fractions with narrow particle size distributions are studied. Multicomponent mixtures of monodisperse latexes are studied by experimental methods. The inverse problem of the dispersity restoration is solved using the known CONTIN software package and the original KLUB package. With the reference to a bimodal mixture of latexes, it is demonstrated that, actually, the restoration of such a distribution is possible, when the average particle sizes of the fractions are different by at least three times.     

Hydrodynamic chromatography of latex blends

The ability to characterize the size and shape distributions of broadly polydisperse analytes is a driving force in particle size analysis. Multi-detector hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC), which has previously shown promise in its ability to characterize the size and shape of monodisperse, spherical polystyrene latex standards, is applied here to include the characterization of bi-, tri-, and tetramodal latex blends and their constituents varying in size, chemistry, and compactness. The ability of multi-detector HDC to distinguish between similar-sized particles of different chemistry is realized by the coupling of a concentration-sensitive detector and two different types of light scattering detectors. The use of both multi-angle static and quasi-elastic light scattering permits for determination of two different size parameters across the elution profiles of the blends. Combining the size information obtained from both light scattering methods provides a measure of how particle compactness changes as a function of size in a latex blend. Multi-detector HDC was shown to be a rapid and precise method for characterizing particle size, shape, and their distributions of broadly polydisperse analytes.     

Aggregation in dispersions of hematite and of hematite-akageneite composite containing anionic surfactants

The aggregation in dispersions of iron oxides was studied by dynamic light scattering and by TEM. In spite of high absolute value of zeta potential induced by specific adsorption of alkyl (C12–C16) sulfates, the particles showed substantial degree of aggregation. The particle size distributions observed in SDS-stabilized dispersions by dynamic light scattering were sensitive to the impurities contained in reagent-grade SDS. Namely, different specimens of reagent-grade SDS produced very different particle size distributions at otherwise identical experimental conditions.     

Resonant effects in evanescent wave scattering of polydisperse colloids

Measurements and predictions are reported to understand large variations in evanescent wave (EW) scattering intensities between different particles from the same batch of single mode, polydisperse colloids. Measured EW scattering intensity distributions are obtained for three different micrometer sized latex particles irreversibly deposited onto glass surfaces. Predicted EW scattering intensity distributions are obtained using measured particle size distributions as input in a Mie theory for the three-dimensional scattering of a sphere under EW illumination. Good agreement is observed between measured and predicted EW scattering intensity distributions using no adjustable parameters. Our results indicate how finite polydispersity together with resonant effects produce large, nonlinear intensity variations between particles that appear to be physically and chemically uniform. Our findings allow such resonant effects to be understood and exploited in EW based particle-surface characterization techniques (e.g., using total internal reflections, surface plasmons) and chemical and biomolecular sensing applications (e.g., using whispering gallery modes).     

On variations in size distributions of particles and aggregates upon dilution of magnetic fluids

Variations in size distributions of particles and aggregates upon dilution of kerosene-based magnetic fluids have been studied by dynamic light scattering. The data obtained on samples of magnetic fluids produced by three different manufacturers have shown that the dilution of an initial concentrated magnetic fluid leads to the formation of a system of unstable aggregates with sizes ranging from 70?100 nm to 1 μm. The aggregates peptize for 2?4 days to result in the establishment of stationary particle and aggregate size distributions.     

动态光散射法测量颗粒粒径的溯源性

分别对动态光散射粒径测量仪的入射波长、散射角度、测量池温度进行校准,并对影响测量结果准确性各因素的不确定度分量进行了评价,校准后动态光散射仪的测量结果可溯源至国家计量标准。为消除多重散射、颗粒间相互作用、颗粒粒径分布对动态光散射测量结果的影响,建立了动态光散射测量结果修正方法。其中为消除多重散射及颗粒间相互作用的影响,需采用多浓度测量或线性回归的方法得到特定浓度下的颗粒粒径;为修正颗粒粒径分布对动态光散射测量结果的影响,需先采用SEM方法准确测量颗粒粒径分布,然后根据光强加权动力学平均粒径和数量平均粒径的理论公式,得到二者之间的差异。     

Measurement of the cumulative particle size distribution of microcrystalline cellulose using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

The cumulative particle size distribution of microcrystalline cellulose, a widely used pharmaceutical excipient, was determined using near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy. Forward angle laser light scattering measurements were used to provide reference particle size values corresponding to different quantiles and then used to calibrate the NIR data. Two different chemometric methods, three wavelength multiple linear regression and principal components regression (three components), were compared. For each method, calibration equations were produced at each of eleven quantiles (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95%). NIR predicted cumulative frequency particle-size distributions were calculated for each of the calibration samples (n = 34) and for an independent test set (n = 23). The NIR procedure was able to predict those obtained via forward angle laser light scattering.     

Characterization of particle size and size distribution of multi-sized polymer lattices by centrifugation plus quasielastic light scattering

 A method for characterizing the particle size and size distribution of multi-sized polymer lattices was developed by combining quasielastic light scattering (QELS) with a centrifuge. Lattices were first fractionated by centrifugation and the different populations of particles were separated in successive steps. The size of these particles was measured by QELS, and the mass fraction of the particles was determined gravimetrically. The particle size and size distribution of several blends of monodisperse lattices and two industrial multi-sized lattices have been measured by this method. The results show that the particle sizes obtained using this method are in good agreement with the expected particle diameters, and that the relative amounts of the different groups of particles in the blends can be accurately determined. The efficiency of centrifuge-QELS was also confirmed by comparison with other techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), QELS, field-flow fractionation (FFF) and capillary hydrodynamic fractionation (CHDF). However, this method is not suited for the analysis of continuous, broad distributions or mixtures with a high number of different populations. It is better suited for distributions with a small number of families of particles, and then can be used for preparative propose on a laboratory scale. Received: 9 October 1996 Accepted: 7 July 1997     

The effect of nanoparticle nonuniformity on the ratio of gyration and hydrodynamic radiuses

The ratio of the radius of gyration, obtained by static light scattering, and the hydrodynamic radius, obtained by dynamic light scattering, are routine experimental techniques for the assessment of nanoparticle shape. The potential effect of particle nonuniformity is mostly not considered. In this communication, we demonstrate that, even with medium particle nonuniformities, it is advisable to apply appropriate corrections. The values of the correction factors are offered in a diagram for various particle shapes, and two types of particle-size distributions and their widths.     

Light scattering from coloured systems: an example of polyaniline dispersions

Static light scattering of highly diluted dispersions in 0.005 M H₂SO₄ was used to determine particle parameters of polyaniline dispersions stabilized with colloidal silica. The refractive index of polyaniline n = 1.8 and the refractive index increment (dn/dc) = 0.22 cm³g⁻¹ at λ = 532 nm were determined. The light scattering data are affected by the absorption of the green polyaniline and by a small amount of aggregates. The absorption has a negligible effect on the results. The influence of the aggregates was corrected by using the intensity‐weighed size distributions determined by dynamic light scattering at different angles and by the two‐component separation in static light scattering. Both procedures yield the same result.     

On the measurement of gold nanoparticle sizes by the dynamic light scattering method

The application of the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method for determining the size distribution of colloidal gold nanoparticles in a range of 1–100 nm is discussed. It is shown that rotational diffusion of nonspherical strongly scattering particles with sizes of larger than 30–40 nm results in the appearance of a false peak in a size range of about 5–10 nm. In this case, the uncritical application of the DLS method may yield particle volume or number size distributions different from those obtained by transmission electron microscopy. For weakly scattering particles with diameters of smaller that 20 nm, the DLS method demonstrates an additional peak of intensity distribution in the region of large sizes that is related to particle aggregates or byproduct particles rather than individual nanoparticles. Practical methods for solving the problem of false peaks are discussed. It is established that the width of the DLS distribution does not correspond to transmission electron microscopy data and is overestimated. The advantages and drawbacks of the methods are compared and it is noted that, at present, the DLS method is the only instrument suitable for nonperturbative and sensitive diagnostics of relatively slow aggregation processes with characteristic times on the order of 1 min. In particular, this method can be used to diagnose gold nanoparticle conjugate aggregation initiated by biospecific interactions on their surface.     

A facile and sensitive immunoassay for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle clusters and dynamic light scattering

A facile and sensitive immunoassay protocol for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was developed using gold-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoclusters and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods. The increase in the average particle size due to AFP-mediated aggregation was measured using DLS, and the detection limit was better than 0.01 ng mL(-1).     

Physical properties of organic particulate UV-absorbers used in sunscreens. I. Determination of particle size with fiber-optic quasi-elastic light scattering (FOQELS), disc centrifugation, and laser diffractometry

In this study microparticles consisting of a benzotriazole derivative, which are used as absorbers for UV radiation in cosmetic sunscreens, were investigated. The particles were micronized in presence of a dispersing agent by means of a ball milling process. According to the energy input different particle sizes were produced in the range of 0.16 to 4 microm. The particle sizes obtained after different stages of the micronization process were measured using fiber-optic quasi-elastic light scattering (FOQELS), disc centrifugation, and laser diffractometry. All methods showed satisfactory agreement over the whole range of sizes. With the FOQELS technique the particle size distribution could be resolved to sizes well below 0.1 microm.     

Preparation and characterization of particles with small differences in polydispersity

Colloidal particles are widely used both in fundamental research and in materials science. One important parameter influencing the physical properties of colloidal materials is the particle size distribution (polydispersity) of the colloidal particles. Recent work on colloidal crystallization has demonstrated that even subtle changes in polydispersity can have significant effects. In this study we present centrifugation techniques for subtly manipulating the width and the shape of the particle size distribution, for polydispersities less than 10%. We use scanning electron microscopy as well as dynamic and static light scattering to characterize the particle size distributions. We compare the results and highlight the difficulties associated with the determination of accurate particle size distributions.     

Physical properties of organic particulate UV absorbers used in sunscreens II. UV-attenuating efficiency as function of particle size

In this study the UV-attenuating properties of microparticles consisting of a benzotriazole derivative were investigated, which are used as absorbers for UV radiation in cosmetic sunscreens. The particles were micronized in presence of a dispersing agent by means of a ball milling process. According to the energy input different particle sizes were produced in the range of 0.16 to 4 microm. In order to study even smaller particles, the sample with particle size 0.16 microm was fractionated further by centrifugation. Particle sizes were measured using fiberoptic quasi-elastic light scattering (FOQELS) and laser diffractometry. The UV-attenuating properties of the dispersions with different particle sizes were assessed using UV spectroscopy. With decreasing particle size the efficiency of the UV extinction of the dispersion increases up to a particle size of 80 nm. For particles smaller than 80 nm the UV extinction decreases again indicating an optimum at 80 nm. From reflection spectroscopic measurements it was found that scattering makes about 10%, and absorption 90%, of the UV-attenuating effect of the particles, which are obtained at the end of the milling process.     

Particle size measurements of heterogeneous film-forming latexes

Two-phase latex particles consisting of mainly polystyrene (PS) and polyisoprene (PI) in ratios varying from 7030 to 2080 were prepared using different polymerization techniques. Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used in small amounts as a comonomer. The latexes had narrow size distributions, and showed different particle morphologies depending on the monomer composition and the polymerization conditions used. In most cases the latexes were filmforming at room temperature. Particle size distributions and average particle sizes of the latexes have been determined using different particle sizing methods.Size determination by TEM was performed after staining with osmium tetroxide (OsO₄) or uranyl acetate (UAc). The staining methods showed no significant differences in particle size averages and particle size distributions when the ratio between the PI and PS phase did not exceed 5050. At higher phase ratios OsO₄ staining was preferred. The glass transition temperature of the PI phase increased after OsO₄ staining, which prevented deformation of the latex particles. Particle morphologies for the heterogeneous latex particles were also determined after OsO₄ staining.Particle sizes measured by TEM were generally smaller than the corresponding sizes measured by quasielastic light scattering (QELS). The difference in the measured diameters increased with increasing PI and PMAA content in the latex particles. The larger sizes observed by QELS are results of the presence of an immobilized water layer surrounding the particles in the aqueous environment, water absorption and swelling due to the presence of carboxylic acid groups, and adsorption of soluble carboxylated polymers forming a hydrophilic corona around the particles. By TEM the hard sphere diameters of dehydrated particles are measured.