Laboratory analysis and characterization of a powder
Your needs: characterizing the physico-chemical properties of your powders
FILAB’s laboratory supports manufacturers in powder analysis, whether for metal, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic powders.
Thanks to a wide range of analytical techniques, we characterize the physical, chemical, morphological, and rheological properties of powders to ensure their quality, performance, and compliance.
What physicochemical properties are used to characterize a powder?
The physico-chemical properties of powders affect their quality and performance.
Here are a few examples of parameters that can be analyzed on a powder:
Our laboratory powder analysis and characterization services
For more than 30 years, our FILAB laboratory has had the experience and the specificanalytical equipment to support industrial companies today in powder characterization using various analytical techniques:
Our services
Measurement of powder flow rate
Our Technical Capabilities
Instruments for Metal Powder Analysis
- GranuHeap: measurement of the static properties of a metal powder (angle of repose, static cohesion index).
- GranuDrum: measurement of flow properties (flow angle, dynamic cohesion index, first avalanche angle, powder aeration).
- GranuPack: measurement of the dynamic compaction of a metal powder (bulk density, tapped density, Hausner ratio, densification dynamics).
- GranuFlow: measurement of flow through orifices, a key indicator of powder flowability.
- GranuCharge: measurement of the electrostatic properties of metal powders.
Industrial Applications of Powder Analysis
FILAB works with many sectors that use functional powders:
- Pharmaceutical industry: formulation, particle size control, hygroscopicity
- Cosmetics: flowability, texture, powder stability
- Metallurgy / Additive manufacturing: particle size validation, purity, porosity
- Medical devices: ISO 13779-3 compliance for HAP powders
- Fine chemicals: moisture, flow, bulk behavior
How do you analyze a powder in the laboratory?
Powder analysis relies on different techniques depending on the properties to be evaluated:
- Particle size and particle distribution: carried out by laser diffraction or sieving to measure particle size.
- Particle morphology and structure: observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Bulk density and tapped density: assessed to determine the powder’s bulk behavior.
- Flowability and flow: measured using tests such as the Hall or Carney funnel to assess flow.
- Hygroscopicity and residual moisture: analyzed to anticipate interactions with ambient humidity.
- Chemical composition and impurities: identified by spectrometry (ICP-MS, XRF) or chromatography (GC-MS, LC-MS).
Each analysis method is selected according to the application sector (pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetics, etc.) to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry requirements.
Working with an expert laboratory in powder analysis such as FILAB helps you better understand the strategic challenges and changes in your industry. Our specialized engineers support you throughout the powder characterization protocol in the laboratory. They are available to answer your questions and help you interpret the results of powder analysis.
FAQ
The analysis of powders must be carried out in a specialized laboratory equipped with the appropriate equipment and expertise in materials characterization. The FILAB laboratory offers tailor-made services to meet the needs of industrial clients, using validated methods in accordance with current standards (ISO, ASTM, pharmacopoeias, etc.).
These analysis can be performed for quality control, R&D, troubleshooting, or regulatory compliance. It is important to choose a laboratory capable of adapting its protocols to the specific characteristics of the powder being analyzed and to industrial constraints.
At FILAB laboratory, we analyze a wide range of powders: metal powders, ceramic powders, pharmaceutical powders, pigments, food additives, and mineral powders.
Particle size distribution directly affects the flow, compaction, and reactivity properties of a powder. A precise particle size analysis helps optimize manufacturing processes, improve final product quality, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Bulk density reflects the ratio between the volume occupied and the mass of a powder. It influences the stability of blends, particle dispersion, and the filling of molds or capsules in the pharmaceutical industry.
The specific surface area of a powder plays a key role in its chemical reactivity, adsorption, and dispersion. This analysis is particularly important for catalysts, cosmetic additives, and energetic materials.
Chemical analysis and impurity detection (oxides, metallic contaminants, organic residues) help ensure powder quality, particularly for the aerospace, biomedical, and food industries.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction are commonly used to analyze particle shape and distribution. These analysis are useful for powders intended for coatings or the chemical industry.
Requirements vary depending on the application: ASTM standards for metal powders, pharmacopoeia for pharmaceutical powders, REACH for chemical safety, or ISO 13320 for particle size distribution. Strict control helps ensure product compliance.
The powder test brings together a set of tests used to characterize physical, chemical, and morphological properties. These analysis are essential in many industrial sectors such as metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and food processing.
They make it possible to assess key parameters such as particle size distribution, particle morphology, bulk density, flowability, residual moisture, and chemical composition.
The goal is to optimize powder performance according to its intended use, whether for an additive manufacturing process, a coating, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a composite material.
