Particle Size Determination Using Turbidimetry

Abstract

A critical discussion on the use of turbidimetric methods for particle size determination in polydisperse suspensions, with emphasis on latexes, is presented, and the potential of these methods for on-line particle size determination during latex production is evaluated. The advantages, disadvantages and limitations of several turbidimetric techniques that have been used for the estimation of an average size or the full particle size distribution are discussed. Some conflicts and inconsistencies reported in the literature and an existing controversy are resolved. Also, some observations reported concerning the type of average of the PSD that can be estimated from one specific turbidity measurement are shown to be coincidental and therefore should not be generalized. Specific problems arising when turbidimetry is used for latex particle size determination are discussed, and the use of the method for on-line particle size measurements during latex production is evaluated.