To accurately characterize the size and shape of the particles
Morphogranulometry allows for the simultaneous analysis of the size and morphology of particles present in a powder or suspension.
Unlike conventional granulometric methods, which only measure particle size, morphogranulometric analysis provides essential complementary information:
- particle size
- particle size distribution
- particle shape
- elongation and circularity
- presence of agglomerates or atypical particles
These parameters are crucial for understanding the behavior of a material in an industrial process or end application.
At the FILAB laboratory, the analysis is performed using a morphogranulometer, an automated image analysis system that can characterize tens of thousands of particles in just a few minutes.
Information obtained through morphogranulometer analysis
- Equivalent circle diameter (EC).
- Length, width, and perimeter.
- Equivalent sphere volume (SE) for cross-validation with other methods
Circularity and Sphericity: to assess grain regularity.
Elongation (Aspect Ratio): crucial for characterizing elongated or fibrous particles.
Convexity and Roughness: to measure surface texture and abrasiveness.
Direct visualization of particles
Identification of atypical particles
Detection of aggregates
The FILAB laboratory supports manufacturers in morphogranulometer analysis
Principle of morpho-granulometric analysis
The morphogranulometer relies on the automated acquisition and processing of particle images.
The analysis principle is as follows:
Why perform a morphogranulometric analysis?
Morphogranulometric analysis is particularly useful for:
- Quality control: verifying the particle size and morphology conformity of a raw material or finished product.
- Formulation development: comparing different powders or formulations.
- Process optimization: studying the impact of grinding, micronization, or a manufacturing process.
- Defect investigation: understanding the origin of a dispersion, flowability, or compaction problem.
Practical applications
- Understand and control the size and shape of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipients.
- Master these fundamental attributes during formulation development and process scale-up.
- Ensure the conformity of reference and generic products (bioequivalence).
- Correlate the morphological characteristics of electrode powders with the final battery performance.
- Measure the circularity and elongation of particles to optimize packing density and suspension viscosity.
- Ensure high sphericity and a smooth surface texture for optimal powder flow.
- Optimize powder bed spreading efficiency and final part density.
- Identify critical particles (satellites, elongated or broken particles) that negatively impact print quality.
Measure roughness and shape to predict abrasiveness, friction properties, or chemical reaction rates.
Monitor the efficiency of grinding and screening processes.
Our FAQ
Morphogranulometric analysis is applicable to a wide variety of industrial materials:
- mineral powders
- pigments
- metallic powders
- ceramics
- pharmaceuticals
- polymer particles
- materials resulting from grinding or micronization
The dispersion conditions are adapted to the nature of the material in order to obtain a representative analysis.
Laser granulometry (laser diffraction) measures the overall size of particles, assuming they are all spheres. Imaging-based morpho-granulometry captures actual images of each particle. It allows not only the measurement of size (length, width) but also the quantification of shape (circularity, elongation, roughness), which lasers cannot do.
The shape directly influences the industrial behavior of your powders. For example, very elongated particles (needles) flow poorly and can clog machines, even if their average size seems adequate. Shape also impacts the dissolution rate of a drug, the density of a part in 3D printing, or the storage performance of a battery.
If a batch of raw material conforms to size but performs poorly in production (e.g., poor flow, tablet breakage), image analysis can reveal the root cause: the presence of agglomerates, changes in grain circularity, or the presence of satellite particles. Visual evidence facilitates troubleshooting.
To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.
