Particle Size and Shape Analyzer SYNC

Laser diffraction analyzers have been the standard instrument for quality control to measure particle size in many industries. With its ease of use, robustness and versatility, laser diffraction can provide high sample throughput and reduced analysis time. However, like any method, laser diffraction also has its own drawbacks. In order to mitigate these drawbacks, Microtrac has pioneered the SYNC, a unique hybrid instrument to combine laser diffraction with image analysis.

Explore how the SYNC can measure particle size and shape simultaneously in a singular measuring cell using laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis – for dry materials as well as suspensions and emulsions. Plus, discover the advantages of combining laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis using several industry-related application examples.

In this application note, Microtrac MRB provides an overview with examples of battery material measurements using laser diffraction. The optimization and safety of lithium-ion batteries in the reduction of cell aging is very important. One of the most critical factors is the particle size of the active materials like cathode, anode, and separator material. The particle size of the anode, cathode, and separator material affects the electrochemical performance of batteries. Smaller particle size will lead to shorter pathways in solid materials and decreased overall potential leading to improvements in the charge/discharge rate (C rate). Smaller particle size results in larger surface area which leads to a larger proportion of passivation at the solid electrolyte interphase which can reduce battery capacity.

In this application note, Microtrac MRB presents experimental data on the particle size distribution of two aluminum effect pigments investigated using laser diffraction. Effect pigments are pigments that impart additional properties to the system in which they are embedded, such as angle-dependent changes in hue or gloss, or texture. Effect pigments are divided into metal effect pigments and special effect pigments. Metal effect pigments are luster pigments made of metal that have a parallel orientation in the application and exhibit a metal-like effect produced by the reflection of light from the metal platelets. Important metal effect pigments are aluminum, brass and copper flakes. Non-metallic effect pigments are, for example, mica (sheet silicates), graphite, iron oxides, or molybdenum sulfide. What most effect pigments have in common is the flaky structure of the particles. In contrast to classic pigments, their effect is not primarily based on the absorption of certain wavelengths, but on reflection and interference. While classical pigments such as titanium dioxide often have particle sizes of a few 100 nanometers, the platelet-shaped effect pigments usually have a diameter of 5 - 100 µm, but much smaller layer thicknesses.

In this application note, Microtrac MRB presents experiments that describe information obtained on a timed-release OTC anti-heartburn medication utilizing laser diffraction particle size measurement and image analysis.

In this video, Microtrac MRB presents the SYNC analyzer, which combines laser diffraction with dynamic image analysis. The Microtrac MRB SYNC Analyzer provides traditional users of laser diffraction technology with exciting new capabilities to characterize their materials. The proven tri-laser technology provides accurate and repeatable laser diffraction information from light detected over 163 degrees of angular scatter. When combined with state-of-the-art camera technology capturing images of the particle stream at the same time, the SYNC offers not only size data but also additional information about the shape of the materials and the quality of the dispersion.

Explore cutting-edge technologies and the latest resources to support your materials characterization