Researchers at Unilever have selected the Mastersizer 2000 system from Malvern Instruments as part of their new approach to particle sizing.
Waxy semisolids present a considerable challenge when it comes to particle size analysis, primarily because they are not liquid at ambient temperature.
Using the Mastersizer 2000, researchers at Unilever are now confident in their ability to make reliable measurements that are feeding back into improved product development, manufacturing and quality control.
Mark Flanagan, process chemist at Unilever, said: 'Particle size is a critical parameter that influences the quality and performance of many of our products, but measuring materials that are not liquid at room temperature has posed considerable problems.
'Our solution has been to place the Hydro 2000SM small-volume sample dispersion unit for the Mastersizer 2000 in a high-temperature waterbath.
'We have been full supported in this by Malvern's applications teams, who have helped to overcome the technical challenges involved.
'The result is that we can now achieve hot dispersion of semisolid samples, and generate truly reliable particle size measurements,' Flanagan added.
This approach to particle size measurement in semisolids is said to be significant for Unilever since it provides the company's formulators and QC specialists with a tool for improved understanding and control of their products, and one that will inform product development.
The Mastersizer 2000 is said to offer rapid measurement capabilities, accurate and reproducible analysis, broad measurement range and the flexibility to measure many different sample types.
It is especially sensitive to changes in coarse particle friction and is therefore a good tool for studying the sample instability that results from, for example, agglomeration, creaming or sedimentation.
