Stability – Multiple Light Scattering (SMLS)

Contract analysis dispersion stability

Measurement principle

SMLS is employed to characterize the stability of dispersions. Within BeScan Lab, a setup comprising two detectors and an
LED light source ascends along the sample cell to conduct sample scanning. In the case of concentrated samples, the backward detector is employed to detect backscattered signals, while for diluted samples, the forward detector is utilized to detect transmitted signals.
Mean particle size measurement can be implemented by analyzing transmission, backscattering, or particle migration rate. Investigation of particle size facilitates the research on unstable phenomena. The sample will undergo scanning every 20 μm vertically to capture changes in transmitted and backscattered signals, indicating destabilization. Following each
scan, an instability index (IUS) can be computed. Short-term or Long-term stability can then be assessed based on the trend of IUS.

Real stability analysis for dispersions

• Volume fraction up to 95%
• Particle size ranges from 10 nm to 1 mm
• Non-destructive testing: noncontact, non-diluting, and nonshearing

Fast and direct stability measurement

• Data acquisition with a resolution of 20 μm enables quicker observation of sample stability than that with the naked eye
• Precise temperature control up to 80°C to accelerate unstable phenomena
• “One-to-many” system enables simultaneous testing of different samples with one software

Qualitative and quantitative stability analysis

• Identification of various unstable phenomena: creaming, sedimentation, flocculation, coalescence, and breaking
• Quantification of destabilizations and study of mechanisms