Particle size analysis: A comparison of various methods II

In previous work, the relative performance of various methods used to characterize the particle size distribution of powders composed of fine irregularly shaped particles was assessed. It was found that methods employing Fraunhofer diffraction theory were inferior with respect to particle counting methods. Furthermore, calculated particle size distributions varied considerably between manufacturers of Fraunhofer devices. It is well known that the Mie optical model can also be used to analyze the data collected by laser diffraction instruments. Here, we have compared particle size distributions collected using two Laser diffraction instruments to those determined by the Aerosizer. In our earlier work, the Aerosizer was shown to produce results nearly identical to those determined by image analysis. The results of this study indicate that the use of the Mie optical model does not correct for deficiencies previously noted for laser diffraction methods. Considerable variation exists between the results obtained on laser diffraction instruments manufactured by different companies. Our earlier recommendation to use extreme caution when employing laser diffraction instruments to characterize fine powders continues to be supported in the present work.