Light scattering techniques are a must-have in a colloidal tool box.
Light interacts with matter and reveals through the scattered intensity in different angles information about both structure and dynamics of the material studied. Frequently asked questions are: How large are the particles or droplets? Do the particles aggregate? What is the molecular weight of the polymer and how broad is the size distribution?
We use both dynamic and static light scattering and DWS. Regarding dynamic light scattering which is the more used method we have access to both a research instrument and the more user-friendly Malvern instrument which makes transfer of methods to our clients’ labs straight forward. For systems with larger size ranges (micrometer), we use laser diffraction (Malvern system).
Variations in polymer molecular weight, charge density and hydrophobic character are important as is the surfactant characteristics and the medium (ionic strength and pH being common variables).
A white paper, by Marta Gubitosi on light- as well as x-ray and neutron scattering can be downloaded from below.
