What is particle imaging used for?

Where particle size analysis is used to produce a distribution curve showing how large the majority of particles in a given solution are, particle imaging also provides the ability quantify morphological (ie. shape) characteristics of particles.

Determining particle shape parameters

When reporting particle size, we try to report just one single number for each particle; the equivalent spherical size. In image analysis reports, this is often termed the CE diameter (or Circular Equivalent diameter). However, when it comes to reporting particle shape, there are many numerical descriptions that can be used, including: length/width, aspect ratio, circularity, compactness, roughness, convexity and elongation. Most image analysis system also report parameters such as lightness/darkness, opacity and intensity. All of these parameters help differentiate one type of particle to another, which is one of the real strengths of image analysis.

Where particle sizing can only report a size distribution, image analysis can be used to quantify subtle differences in shape or optical properties. New image analysis systems also provide powerful software packages that enable classification of particles into different groups. This in turn enables users to quantify different types of materials in the one sample.

Automated imaging using MalvernPanalytical Morphologi 4

The MalvernPanalytical Morphologi 4 is an optical image analyser that uses automated static image analysis to characterise the size and shape of particles. It works by capturing images of individual particles, processing them using image analysis algorithms, and generating quantitative and qualitative results.

Designed to accommodate the diverse needs of a multidisciplinary R&D lab, it is the ideal replacement for costly and time-consuming manual microscopy. Morphologi 4 offers the ability to automatically identify and classify particles by size, shape, and even chemical composition using Morphologically-Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS).

Dry powder samples are evenly dispersed onto a slide for imaging using the integrated dry powder disperser, ensuring easy preparation with reproducible results. The applied dispersion energy can be precisely controlled, avoiding the damage of fragile samples whilst ensuring strongly agglomerated materials are dispersed. 

Statistically representative distributions are created for each morphological parameter based on thousands of analysed particles. The software provides advanced graphing and data classification tools for easy interpretation of results.

Real life applications

In real life, particle size and shape determining technologies like the Morphologi 4 are used in applications including pharmaceuticals, batteries, metal powders, and even forensic analysis.

Pharmaceutical and Drug Development:

• Contaminant identification: Identifying subvisible particles in therapeutics.
• Characterising particles in suspensions to ensure drug efficacy and safety.
• Control of particle size and shape is crucial for optimal drug delivery of OINDP (Orally Inhaled and Nasal Drug Products)
• Discriminating between different APIs 

Energy Storage and Batteries:

• Correlating particle size and shape of electrode materials with battery performance.
• Ensuring consistent and traceable powder supply for optimal battery performance.

Metal Powders and Additive Manufacturing:

• Analysing metal powders for optimal packing and flow characteristics, reducing the risk of part failure.

Forensics:

• Analysing soils, residues, and other evidence for investigative purposes.

Other Applications:

• Building materials: Analysing cement blends to understand the impact of particle properties on final product performance.
• Mining and minerals: Tracing the extent of natural disasters and predicting environmental events. Cement, volcanic ash deposits and tsunami deposits, plus minerals within soils and analysing samples from different geological regions.
• Ceramics: Evaluating ceramic granules in processes like spray drying.
• Sediments and soils: Analysing the morphology of geological deposits.
• Abrasives: Characterising the properties of abrasives.
• Food: Analysing food products for particle size and shape.
• Automotive industry: Analysing particulate contamination in hydraulic fluid power systems.
• Particle size and shape of dry powders, wet suspensions and particulates on filters.

Find an imaging instrument

If you want to undertake particle imaging, the first step is to get the right instrument for the job. ATA Scientific carries a range of quality scientific instruments suited to your needs. Contact us to find out which instrument you need for particle imaging today.