Summary Of Sample Preparation - Malvern Mastersizer Series Getting Started

C H A P T E R 9

Summary of sample preparation

P a g e 9 . 8
G e t t i n g S t a r t e d
Bubbles can be tested for by circulating the dispersant with appropriate additives
through the cell using the dispersion unit, and turning on the ultrasonics. Should
bubbles pass through the cell and scatter light then you have a problem. The
solution is to use the ultrasonics for one or two minutes, then turn them off and
wait for several minutes with the sample continually circulating.
Bubbles will vary in size but will typically be in the region of 100 microns in size.
In many cases these bubbles can be clearly seen as a second and separate peak
when the measurement data is analysed.
The flow diagram below shows the route taken to prepare an unknown sample.
SAMPLE
For Dry Analysis
Representative Sample
Representative Sample
(mix well or riffle if dry powder)
(riffle if necessary)
Does It disperse In Water ?
Analyse
Yes
Ultrasound If
Necessary
Analyse
For Wet Analysis
No
Does It Float ?
Yes No
Try Surfactant
Does This Disperse It ?
Yes No
Does Ultrasound
Work ?
No Yes
Analyse
Try Solvent
e.g. Ethanol
Propan-2-ol (IPA)
Methanol
Acetone
Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)
Hexane
Toluene
Dimethyl
Digol
Ultrasound If Necessary
Analyse
M A N 0 1 0 1