Hiukkaskokoja

Hiukkaskokoja is the Finnish term for particle sizes, referring to the size characteristics and distribution of particles within a sample. The concept is central to material characterization and quality control, as the range and distribution of particle sizes influence properties such as flow, packing, reactivity, and dissolution. In Finnish technical literature, hiukkaskokoja is discussed in relation to particle size distributions (PSD) and the methods used to determine them.

Particle size analysis relies on size-selective techniques and imaging, covering a broad range of scales. Coarser fractions are often measured by sieve analysis, while finer fractions are assessed by sedimentation or centrifugation. Optical methods such as laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering, and direct imaging by electron or optical microscopy, are widely used for sub-micron to micron scales. The results are typically summarized with a PSD, including percentile values (for example D10, D50, D90) and mean sizes that may be weight-, volume-, or number-based. A PSD can be represented as a differential or cumulative distribution.

Applications of hiukkaskokoja span many industries. In pharmaceuticals, particle size affects dissolution rates and bioavailability; in construction, it influences workability and strength; in coatings, it impacts hiding power and rheology; in catalysis and materials science, it governs surface area and packing density; and in environmental science, it shapes the behavior of aerosols and sediments. Reporting accurate particle size information is important for process control, regulatory compliance, and performance prediction. The term appears in Finnish standards, lab protocols, and data sheets dealing with material characterization and quality assurance, aligned with international measurement practices.