Malvern Mastersizer 3000 User Manual

Chapter 6 Sample preparation guidance
Page 6-2 MAN 0474
6
Sample preparation flow chart
This flow diagram shows the route taken to prepare an unknown sample:
ill 7825
Using liquid-borne particle suspensions, such as latex and emulsions, is usually
straight forward. Use the suspension phase as the dispersant, mix the sample well
and add directly to the Mastersizer beaker. Ultrasound is not usually necessary and
will almost certainly affect the size of liquid particles.
SAMPLE
Analyse
Analyse
Take Representative Sample
(mix well or riffle if dry powder)
Analyse
Ultrasound if
necessary
Try Surfactant
Ultrasound if
necessary
Ultrasound if
necessary
e.g. Ethanol
Propan-2-ol (IPA)
Methanol
Acetone
Butanone (Methyl Ethyl
Ketone)
Hexane
Tolu e ne
Dimethyl Digol
Try Solvent
Does it
disperse in
water?
Does it
float?
Does
Ultrasound
work?
Does this
disperse it?
Analyse
Yes No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes

Malvern Mastersizer 3000 Specifications

General

Measurement principle	Laser diffraction
Blue laser wavelength	470 nm
Sample dispersion options	Wet and dry dispersion
Data acquisition rate	10 kHz
Particle size range	0.01 to 3500 microns
Laser type	He-Ne and solid state
Accuracy	Better than 1%
Repeatability	Better than 0.5%
Technology	Mie and Fraunhofer theories
Sample dispersion units	Hydro MV, Hydro LV, Aero S
Optical model	Mie theory
Power requirements	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Detector arrangement	Log-spaced array