Coupling particle size distribution technique. A new ultracentrifuge technique for determination of the particle size distribution of extremely broad distributed dispersions

Abstract

Abstract The particle size distribution (PSD) of extremely broad distributed dispersions (diameter range 20 < D < 2000 nm) is not possible to be measured by analytical ultracentrifuge (AUC) using the standard technique, i.e. measuring turbidity τ at a single concentration c, because the specific turbidity τ/c varies too much between very small and very large particles. To solve this problem we have developed a new AUC technique, the so‐called Coupling‐PSD‐Technique. Here two different concentrations of the same dispersion are measured simultaneously by one single AUC run with two corresponding curves of light intensity I vs. time t being registered. At a low standard concentration c s , mainly the larger particles are detected, while at a concentration c h 5 to 30 times higher mainly the smaller particles are registered. Both I(t)‐curves are coupled mathematically and transformed into the requested broad distribution curve employing Stokes' law and Mie's light scattering theory for homogeneous isotropic spheres. We use an AUC together with an 8‐cells‐rotor and a multiplexer. Because very large and very small particles are to be measured simultaneously in one single run, we can no more apply a constant rotor speed N as before, but by means of a time program N(t) we always have to increase the rotor speed from 0 to 40000 rpm within one hour.