Question

How are nonspherical particles dealt with in particle size analysis?

Short answer

Every shape has a measurement that is equivalent to the spherical particle's measurement. Hence, measurements of nonspherical particles are equal to spherical observations.

Step-by-step solution

Concept Introduction

In material science, particle size is one of the most essential properties, and it is required in many experiments such as sedimentation techniques, laser diffraction, microscopic image analysis, dynamic light scattering, optical particle counting, electro zone sensing, and so on.

Explanation

• There are three different forms of particle size characterization- isometric particles, oblate particles, and prolate particles.
• Equivalent diameters can be estimated based on particle shape.
• Other size measurement units used to determine particle sizes are Martin's diameter and Feret diameters.
• The particle might have a spherical, isometric, convex, or concave form.
• Different characteristics are used to examine the particles based on their shapes, such as the diameter of the particle if it is spherical.
• Surface area and volume can be determined using this value.
• In the case of cubic particles, the maximum length of the particle is regarded as the diameter.
• As a result, in the case of non-spherical particles, the parameters that define them are transformed to the sphere's corresponding measurement.
• The size characterization of a particle is, however, dependent on the form of the particle, but, each of these shapes has measurements that can be converted to sphere equivalent data.

Final answer

In spite of having different shapes, each of these non-spherical particles have measurements that can be converted into or are equivalent to the measurement of a sphere.