Industry Information
Paints, Pigments, Inks and Coatings

The importance of Particle Charaterisation in Paints and Pigments

Particle characterisation plays an essential role in the production of paints and pigments by providing detailed information about the particles which can be used to control production processes and ensure consistency in the quality of the final product. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of particle characterisation in the paint and pigment industry, looking at how it contributes to the quality control of products and the overall performance of the process.

Particle Size in pigments

Particle size, for example, plays a significant role in determining the appearance, texture, and durability of paints and pigments. Smaller particles tend to improve the overall quality, as they allow for a smoother finish and better colour distribution. On the other hand, larger particles can result in uneven coverage and a rough texture, affecting the aesthetic appeal and longevity of the paint or pigment.

Additionally, understanding the composition and distribution of particles is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality control in the production process. By characterising particles, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet the desired specifications and perform consistently over time.

Particle characterisation solutions Meritics offer

Various methods are employed for particle characterisation, including microscopy, laser diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. These techniques provide detailed information about particle size distribution, shape, and surface properties, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions about formulation and production processes.

Case study

A printer toner manufacturer came to us wanting a faster solution for quality control checks on their printer toner.

They had previously been using a microscope which was effective but time consuming. We demonstrated the FlowCam and they were blown away by the speed at which it captured, processed and then analysed their data.

The uniformity of the printer toner particles is of great importance to the manufacturer because a better grading of toner produces a better end-customer experience; as printer heads don’t get clogged as much, leading to less maintenance, more reliable printers and more sales.

They purchased an instrument and we helped with their method development and helped them to set up their Quality Control filter to enable them to run very simple overall quality report on every particle on every run.