Background
Understanding the physical properties of particles and how these properties relate to processability and ultimate end product performance is a fascinating science.
Many process industries (from cement to pharmaceuticals) rely on being able to characterise their raw materials, blends, intermediates, formulations and processes in order to ensure that the final product not only meets its expectation but meets it consistently.
The challenges that powders and particles present require a methodical approach combined with a deep understanding of how and why particles behave as they do. The aim is to explain how this behaviour can be modifed to maximise production efficiency whilst retaining the highest product performance. This is not a simple balance to strike.
Particle size analysis is one of the tools which can help to solve the puzzle.
