Evaluation of the size distribution of a multimodal dispersion of polymer nanoparticles by microscopy after different methods of deposition
Résumé
Particle size distribution (PSD) is an important factor determining the efficiency of industrial manufacturing processes for nanomaterials, assuring the reproducibility and safety of the final product. Among the instruments that have been developed to determine size and PSD of nanoparticle dispersions, the easiest to handle are based on indirect measurements; therefore, it is recommended to use at least two approaches to evaluate the PSD. This work evaluates the possibility of using direct size measurement methods based on the analysis of images of multimodal dispersion of nanomaterials by electron microscopy. Samples for measurement of the PSD were prepared by different deposition methods from a multimodal dispersion of poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles. Grids prepared by flotation showed particle agglomeration and segregation between large and small particles and was found unsuitable for obtaining relevant measurement of the PSD. In contrast, spin-coating produced a homogenous and random deposition of well isolated particles on the substrate used to prepare the samples for electron microscopy. This deposition method was suitable for evaluating the PSD of this highly heterogenous dispersion. Deposition strategies are therefore essential to provide a statistically representative sample for PSD measurement of nanomaterial-based products using a direct measurement method.
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