Polydisperse particle size characterization by ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy in the micrometer range

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy offers theoretical advantages for particle size analysis.
• Experimental data and models for inferring particle sizes, especially for larger particles, are limited.
• Current models require further validation with experimental data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide experimental data and model calculations for particle size characterization using ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy.
• To validate the application of resonant scattering theory for larger particles.
• To extend the application to suspensions of porous particles.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a commercially available ultrasonic attenuation spectrometer.
• Employed resonant scattering theory for model calculations.
• Integrated the Biot model for poroelasticity to analyze porous particle suspensions.

Main Results:

• Reproducible measurement of attenuation spectra for various emulsions and suspensions.
• Successful validation of resonant scattering theory for particle size determination in the large particle limit.
• Accurate attenuation results for titania aggregates with varying particle and pore sizes were obtained.

Conclusions:

• Resonant scattering theory is a valid and applicable approach for particle size characterization of larger particles.
• The methodology can be extended to complex systems like porous particle suspensions.
• Ultrasonic attenuation spectroscopy shows significant potential for industrial particle size analysis.