Partikelgrößenbestimmung

Partikelgrößen, also known as particle size, refers to the physical dimensions of individual particles within a substance. This characteristic is crucial across various scientific and industrial fields, influencing properties like reactivity, solubility, flowability, and optical behavior. Particle size is typically measured in micrometers (µm) or nanometers (nm), and can range from microscopic to macroscopic.

Several methods exist for determining particle size. Sieving is a common technique for larger particles, using a series of screens with progressively smaller mesh sizes. For smaller particles, laser diffraction is widely used, which measures the angle at which laser light is scattered by the particles. Microscopy, both optical and electron, allows for direct visualization and measurement of individual particles, particularly useful for highly irregular shapes or for characterizing very fine powders. Dynamic light scattering is another technique employed for nanoparticles, analyzing the Brownian motion of particles in a liquid suspension.

Understanding and controlling particle size is vital in many applications. In pharmaceuticals, it affects drug dissolution rates and bioavailability. In manufacturing, it impacts the performance of pigments, catalysts, and construction materials. In environmental science, particle size influences the transport and fate of pollutants. Different particle size distributions can lead to vastly different material behaviors, making its accurate determination a fundamental aspect of material science and engineering.