Product News: BegbrokeNano Uses CPS Disc Centrifuge for Nanoparticle Characterisation

BegbrokeNano recently conducted an extensive evaluation of commercially available sub-micron particle size analysers in conjunction with Oxonica. Following this the decision was made to expand its already impressive range of particle and material characterisation instrumentation with the CPS DC24000 High Speed Disc Centrifuge.

The CPS Disc Centrifuge has capability to resolve multi-modal particle distributions as close as within 2%. This ultra high resolution performance is completely unique and offers the possibility to detect and measure extremely small changes and differences in particle size, especially in the sub-micron particle size range. Depending on density the CPS Disc Centrifuge can accurately and reproducibly measure particles between 3nm and around 75 micron.

BegbrokeNano (Oxford Materials Characterisation Service) was established in October 2002 as a point of contact for those wishing to access facilities and expertise within the University of Oxford, Department of Materials. BegbrokeNano is one of the DTI funded UK Micro Nano Technology (MNT) Centres of Excellence and aims to provide companies involved in MNT with unrivalled facilities for materials characterisation. BegbrokeNano in partnership with leading analytical equipment manufacturers provide a dedicated suite for the analysis of micro and nanoscaled structures.

Dr. Alison Crossley, Manager of the BegbrokeNano facility said: "High resolution sub-micron particle sizing is one of our priorities. Traditional techniques such as DLS (dynamic light scattering) are extremely useful tools but do not always tell the whole story. The ability of the CPS Disc Centrifuge to detect and measure small differences and changes in particle size distribution enables us to look at, for example, coating thickness on core and shell nanoparticle structures."

Image caption: Resolution Example of 9 Mixed Polystyrene Standards Measured on a CPS Disc Centrifuge