Analysis

Once particles are isolated, they can be analyzed to determine different properties.  The most commonly analyzed properties are size, size distribution, shape, surface, aggregation (colloidal state), dissolution, and chemical composition. For these types of analysis, we can rely on a wide variety of instruments.

 

Particles in food and cosmetic products: silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide

  • Nanoparticle separation from the matrix.
  • Electron microscopy for primary particle size and shape analysis.
  • Material detection using elemental analysis.
  • Light scattering techniques to study colloidal stability and colloidal size.

Particles for medicine and diagnosis: metallic and soft particles 

  • Particle analysis in vitro: particle behavior in biological environments (e.g. cell culture medium, lysosomal fluid, serum) and analysis of particles in cell cultures.
  •  Electron microscopy to establish size and shape.
  • Light scattering techniques to study colloidal stability and colloidal size.

Particles for electronic products: silicon dioxide, graphene, carbon nanotubes

  • Particle size, shape analysis and distribution by electron microscopy.
  • Material identification by elemental analysis.
  • Focused Ion Beam technique to understand the localization of the particles in an electronic device.

Particles/fibers for reinforcement: carbon nanotubes, cellulose fibers 

  • Particle isolation using digestion, precipitation and /or filtration.
  • Particle size and shape analysis by using electron microscopy and /or light scattering techniques.
  • Toxicology studies of new materials.