The particle size distribution of a powder can be determined in two different ways: by means of a sieve analysis and by means of a laser diffraction analysis.
Importance
With a sieve analysis the original sample is sieved into several fractions by means of a sieve tower. The partitioning is determined by weighing the different fractions. An example of particle size distribution made by a sieve analysis is presented in the table below:
fraction
weight percentage
< 63 µm
56.00 %
63 µm < x < 125 µm
40.35 %
125 µm < x < 200 µm
3.20 %
200 µm < x < 500 µm
0.25%
> 500 µm
0.20%
A second possibility determining the particle size distribution is by means of a laser diffraction analysis. The particle size distribution can be determined with the laser diffraction apparatus HORIBA LA 950 V2 according to the standard ISO 13320. This apparatus has a liquid and a dry dispersion unit and provides a wide dynamic range from 0.01 µm to 3000 µm.
