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Determination of Particle Size Distribution by Laser Diffraction of Doped‐CeO 2 Powder Suspensions: Effect of Suspension Stability and Sonication
Author(s) -
Desroches Marie J.,
Castillo Ian A.,
Munz Richard J.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
particle and particle systems characterization
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.877
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1521-4117
pISSN - 0934-0866
DOI - 10.1002/ppsc.200500996
Subject(s) - dispersant , suspension (topology) , materials science , sonication , particle size distribution , particle size , particle (ecology) , zeta potential , economies of agglomeration , chemical engineering , diffraction , ceramic , phase (matter) , mineralogy , dispersion (optics) , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , chemistry , composite material , optics , organic chemistry , physics , oceanography , mathematics , geology , pure mathematics , engineering , homotopy
The particle size distributions (PSDs) of metal oxide powders are often determined by analyzing suspensions of powders using laser diffraction (e.g. Malvern MasterSizer 2000). Particle agglomeration can effectively bias the resulting distribution towards “unrealistic” particle sizes. Solutions to avoid this problem must be found if a particle distribution based on the elemental or primary particle sizes is desired. In this work, the particle size distribution of doped‐CeO 2 powders was studied. These powders show a crystalline single phase structure of controlled stoichiometry as determined by X‐ray diffraction and ICP analysis. The apparent size distribution was found to be a strong function of suspension stability. Dispersant agents (PBTCA and phosphonoacetic acid) and suspension pH affected stability as characterized by zeta potential measurements. Sonication of the suspensions further enhanced particle de‐agglomeration. Finally, only the combined effect of a dispersant agent, pH adjustment of the suspension and sonication provided a primary particle size distribution. The results presented in this work can be used in the analysis of similar ceramic powders in which strong particle agglomeration is present.