AVEKA‘s Characterization Lab provides a comprehensive array of analytical services. Particle systems including powders, microcapsules and dispersions are often complex and can require several methods for analysis. AVEKA‘s offering can range from one-sample requests to large-scope or multiple sample runs. The lab has the chemical and technical expertise to determine test methods and interpret the resulting data to help evaluate raw materials and finished products. Standard turnaround time for sample analysis is 2-3 days.
Capabilities and Equipment Specs
Particle Size Distribution
Horiba LB-500
Horiba LA-950, LA-930, and LA-910
Gilson Sonic AutoSiever
W.S. Tyler Ro-Tap Sieve Shaker
Microtrac Camsizer XT Dynamic Imaging Analyzer
Multisizer Coulter Counter 3 and 4e
Particle Imaging
Microtrac Camsizer XT Dynamic Imaging Analyzer
Phenom Scanning Electron Microscope
Leica Optical Microscope
Thermal Analysis
Thermogravimetric Analyzer, TA Instruments Q500
Differential Scanning Calorimeter, TA Instruments Q100
Water Content
Loss-on-drying and solids analyzer, Arizona Computrac Max 4000XL
Metrohm 852 Titrando Karl Fischer Analyzer with a Metrohm 874 Oven
OHAUS and Mettler Toledo moisture analyzers
Rheological Measurements
Freeman Technology FT4 Powder Rheometer
ATS RheoSystems STRESSTECH Constant Stress Rheometer System
Brookfield Viscometer
Microbiology Testing
Aerobic Plate Count, AOAC 990.12 (3 days)
Yeast and Mold, AOAC 997.02 (5 days)
Yeast activity, YC-100 Nucleocounter
Enterobacteriaceae, AFNOR 3M 01/06 09/97
E-Coli, AOAC 991.14
Coliforms, AOAC 991.14
Staphylococcus aureus, AOAC 2003.7
Sanitation Verification of Metal Surfaces, Neogen AccuPoint ATP Meter
Color Testing
Lovibond PFX 880 Transmission Colorimeter
ColorFlex EZ Reflectance Spectrophotometer
Additional Services
Zeta Potential, Colloidal Dynamics ZetaProbe
BET Surface Area, Horiba SA-6200 Analyzer
Specific Gravity and Density, Quantachrome Helium Pycnometer
High Performance Liquid Chromotography, HPLC
pH Analysis
Conductivity Testing
Chemical Oxygen Demand, COD, analysis
Bulk and Tap Density
Factors to Consider
Is the material hazardous and require any precautions when handling?
Can the sample be used up during testing or must it remain intact?
Is particle settling or segregation possible during sampling?
What solvents provide proper dispersion and suspension for size analysis?
Do you require a specific ASTM method?
Are the particles nanometer-, micron- or millimeter-sized?
