Polymers are large molecules made from repeating structural units connected by covalent chemical bonds. Many polymer products exist in the particulate state and require size and sometimes shape characterization. Due to the wide range of sizes, all of the HORIBA particle characterization technologies can be used for polymer samples depending on the application. Laser diffraction is used to measure powders and suspensions from 0.01 – 3000 µm, dynamic light scattering measures suspensions from 1 nm – 6 µm and dynamic image analysis covers 30 µm to 30 mm.    

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Application Note AN160 on Particle Size Analysis of Polymers using laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis (You need to be logged in).

Application Note AN139 on Production Control of Polystyrene Beads Using Digital Image Analysis (You need to be logged in).

Hydro-treating catalysts come in many sizes and shapes depending on the applications and manufacturer. The size and shape of the catalyst pieces are important specifications that require quantification. Common shapes include spheres, pellets, cylinders and 3 or 4 lobe (trilobe and quadralobe) shaped pieces. Older, manual and subjective techniques such as sieves and calipers are being replaced by dynamic image analysis using the CAMSIZER. The CAMSIZER provides quick, accurate definitions of all physical dimensions important to catalyst manufacturers and end users.

Application Note AN162 on Particle Size and Shape Analysis of Catalysts using Dynamic Image Analysis (You need to be logged in).