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Measurement of Particle Size Distribution in Turbid Solutions by Dynamic Light Scattering Microscopy
Published on: January 9, 2017
Static light scattering resolves colloid structure in index-matched porous media.
David C Mays1, Orion T Cannon, Adam W Kanold
1University of Colorado Denver, Department of Civil Engineering, Campus Box 113, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO 80217-3364, USA. david.mays@ucdenver.edu
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using static light scattering to measure colloid aggregate structure in porous media. This technique quantifies fractal dimension, offering insights into soil structuring and contaminant transport.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Porous Media Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Colloidal phenomena are crucial in natural porous media, affecting soil structure, contaminant transport, filtration, and clogging.
- Existing pore space geometry measurement methods are inadequate for dynamic colloidal processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel technique for quantifying colloid aggregate structure as a fractal dimension.
- To enable the study of dynamic colloidal phenomena in porous media.
Main Methods:
- Utilized static light scattering within index-matched porous media (granular Nafion).
- Validated the method by comparing scattering in suspensions and porous media.
- Assessed the impact of multiple scattering on fractal dimension determination.
Main Results:
- Achieved consistent fractal dimension measurements in both suspensions and porous media.
- Confirmed that multiple scattering does not affect fractal dimension at relevant concentrations.
- Observed aggregate restructuring in porous media, indicated by an increased fractal dimension, linked to fluid shear stress.
Conclusions:
- The developed static light scattering technique effectively quantifies colloid aggregate fractal dimension in porous media.
- This method overcomes limitations of existing techniques for dynamic colloidal processes.
- The findings facilitate fundamental descriptions of colloidal behavior in natural porous systems.
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