Particle size optical

Since aqueous dispersions of colloidal semiconductors are transparent (light scattering depending on particle size), optical methods may be used... 

Figure C2.17.10. Optical absorjDtion spectra of nanocrystalline CdSe. The spectra of several different samples in the visible and near-UV are measured at low temperature, to minimize the effects of line broadening from lattice vibrations. In these samples, grown as described in [84], the lowest exciton state shifts dramatically to higher energy with decreasing particle size. Higher-lying exciton states are also visible in several of these spectra. For reference, the band gap of bulk CdSe is 1.85 eV.

Figure C2.17.12. Exciton energy shift witli particle size. The lowest exciton energy is measured by optical absorjDtion for a number of different CdSe nanocrystal samples, and plotted against tire mean nanocrystal radius. The mean particle radii have been detennined using eitlier small-angle x-ray scattering (open circles) or TEM (squares). The solid curve is tire predicted exciton energy from tire Bms fonnula.

One of the most important uses of specific surface determination is for the estimation of the particles size of finely divided solids the inverse relationship between these two properties has already been dealt with at some length. The adsorption method is particularly relevant to powders having particle sizes below about 1 pm, where methods based on the optical microscope are inapplicable. If, as is usually the case, the powder has a raiige of particle sizes, the specific surface will lead to a mean particle size directly, whereas in any microscopic method, whether optical or electron-optical, a large number of particles, constituting a representative sample, would have to be examined and the mean size then calculated. 

Most tests of the validity of the BET area have been carried out with finely divided solids, where independent evaluation of the surface area can be made from optical microscopic or, more often, electron microscopic observations of particle size, provided the size distribution is fairly narrow. As already explained (Section 1.10) the specific surface obtained in this way is related to the mean projected diameter through the equation... 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The NIST is the source of many of the standards used in chemical and physical analyses in the United States and throughout the world. The standards prepared and distributed by the NIST are used to caUbrate measurement systems and to provide a central basis for uniformity and accuracy of measurement. At present, over 1200 Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) are available and are described by the NIST (15). Included are many steels, nonferrous alloys, high purity metals, primary standards for use in volumetric analysis, microchemical standards, clinical laboratory standards, biological material certified for trace elements, environmental standards, trace element standards, ion-activity standards (for pH and ion-selective electrodes), freezing and melting point standards, colorimetry standards, optical standards, radioactivity standards, particle-size standards, and density standards. Certificates are issued with the standard reference materials showing values for the parameters that have been determined. 

The value of pigments results from their physical—optical properties. These ate primarily deterrniaed by the pigments physical characteristics (crystal stmcture, particle size and distribution, particle shape, agglomeration, etc) and chemical properties (chemical composition, purity, stabiUty, etc). The two most important physical—optical assets of pigments are the abiUty to color the environment in which they ate dispersed and to make it opaque. 

Optical counters have been widely used to monitor cleanroom technology and particles in oil. Instmments manufactured by Royco Inc. (Menlo Park, California) are available for studying aerosols and particles in Hquids. The HIAC counter (HIAC Instmments, Monte Claire, California) is a widely used stream counter for particles in fluid. One of the more recently developed optical counters is available from Particle Sizing Systems (Santa Barbara, California). The configuration of one of the widely used counters, the Climet counter, is shown in Figure 16. A general review of photozone counters is available (3). 

Microscopic identification models ate similar to the CMB methods except that additional information is used to distinguish the source of the aerosol. Such chemical or morphological data include particle size and individual particle composition and are often obtained by electron or optical microscopy. 

In order to define the extent of emissions from automotive brakes and clutches, a study was carried out in which specially designed wear debris collectors were built for the dmm brake, the disk brake, and the clutch of a popular U.S. vehicle (1). The vehicle was driven through various test cycles to determine the extent and type of brake emissions generated under all driving conditions. Typical original equipment and aftermarket friction materials were evaluated. Brake relines were made to simulate consumer practices. The wear debris was analyzed by a combination of optical and electron microscopy to ascertain the asbestos content and its particle size distribution. It was found that more than 99.7% of the asbestos was converted to a nonfibrous form and... 

Size Recovery and Yield Centiifuges have been apphed to classify polydispersed fine particles. The size distribution of the paiticles is quantified by the cumulative weight fraction F less than a given particle size d for both the feed and the centrate streams. It is measured by a particle size counter which operates based on piinciples such as sedimentation or optical scatteiing. 

Difference in optical properties can be used as the basis to separate solids in a mixture. Optic properties include color, light reflectance, opacity, and fluorescence excited by ultraviolet rays or x-rays. Differences in elec trical conductance can also be used for separation. With appropriate sensing, the particles in a moving stream can be sorted by using an air jet or other means to deflect certain particles away from the mainstream (Fig. 19-10). The lower limit of particle size is about... 

The electrical aerosol analyzer and the optical counter are used to measure particle size distributions. Describe the size range and resolution characteristics of each of these instruments. 

Ultrafiltration utilizes membrane filters with small pore sizes ranging from O.OlS t to in order to collect small particles, to separate small particle sizes, or to obtain particle-free solutions for a variety of applications. Membrane filters are characterized by a smallness and uniformity of pore size difficult to achieve with cellulosic filters. They are further characterized by thinness, strength, flexibility, low absorption and adsorption, and a flat surface texture. These properties are useful for a variety of analytical procedures. In the analytical laboratory, ultrafiltration is especially useful for gravimetric analysis, optical microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence studies. 

HEPA and ULPA filters have been developed. In the CEN EN 1822 1998 test method, the filter s efficiency is determined for the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Depending on the filter s total level of separation and leakage, the filter is classified as HIO, Hll,.. ., H14 and U15, U16, or U17. HEPA filters are commonly used for inlet air in the pharmaceutical, optical, and food industries. 

Kobayashi et al. [508] developed an effective method to control particle size and fluoride content in granular tantalum oxide and niobium oxide. The resultant powders are suitable for application in the manufacturing of ceramics, single crystals, optical glass, etc. 

The image produced may be viewed either directly by the eye or projected on to a screen. The latter method is usually the more convenient and involves less eyestrain it is less satisfactory than direct observation for fine sizes near the limit of optical resolution. Sizing is commonly achieved by comparison of the particle images with a scale or graticule. Since the process is tedious, sizing is sometimes performed automatically. The smallest resolvable particle size is a function of the wavelength of the light used and varies between 0.5 and 1 p... 

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