Colloids, Slurries, Pigments, Inks

Toner is a primary component of the electrophotographic printing and copying processes. The synthesized toner particles must exhibit some special characteristics such as particle size and shape to obtain high quality and high-resolution printed images. Utilization of smaller particle size toners has been suggested to be effective in achieving high image quality. In this study, the analysis of the particle size distribution of black toner is optimized using HORIBA Partica LA-960V2 laser diffraction particle size distribution analyzer.

A pigment obtains, for example, its maximum colour effect only in a narrow particle size range below 1 to 2 microns. Therefore, understanding particle size distribution of calcium carbonates becomes one of the foremost parameters to be examined. In this study, the particle size distribution of the two different grades of calcium carbonate was investigated using HORIBA Partica LA-960V2 Laser Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyzer.

A number of additives in ink are usually included to modify viscosity, drying, stability, or color characteristics. Particle size of the pigment particles can significantly affect the color strength, surface finish, and durability of the final product.

Chromium oxide is a green material. The dimethicone treatment adds a degree of “slip” to the particles allowing for better color saturation.

Most size measurements of colloidal silica are performed using dynamic light scattering instruments such as the SZ-100 Nanoparticle Analyzer. The LA-960 Laser Diffraction Analyzer can uniquely measure down to the 30 nm size range, so this laser diffraction instrument is also an option for such tests.

A broad collection of pigment, powder coatings, and ink products exist in particulate form in both the raw materials and finished products. The particle size distribution of these materials determines their appearance, quality, functionality and processability.

A colloid is typically a two phase system consisting of a continuous phase and dispersed phase. The particle size of the dispersed phase typically ranges from 1 nanometer to 1 micrometer. Examples of colloidal dispersions include solid/liquid (suspensions), liquid/liquid (emulsions), and gas/liquid (foams).

Particle size is a critical physical characteristic of pigments and laser diffraction is the most popular method of particle size analysis for the milling process, allowing close control and optimization of a number of final product performance criteria.

Nanoparticle gold is a suspension of sub-micron gold particles typically dispersed in water. Gold nanoparticles are of great interest for researchers in many fields due to their unique physical and optical properties. These properties change with the particle size distribution, so size analysis is an important measurement requirement.

In this application note, the particle sizes of two different silica dispersions are analyzed to demonstrate the utility of the SZ-100 for both suppliers and users of such materials.

Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is a pigment used in paints and many other applications. The particle size of titanium dioxide directly impacts its performance in numerous applications, necessitating the measurement and control of this important property.

Pigment size can be readily measured by laser diffraction. This measurement requires less time, training and effort than a color strength measurement and provides useful information for the process engineer.