Grain size measurement

Grain size measurement allows the characterization of the particle size distribution of a solid material, whether metals, ceramics, polymers, industrial powders or minerals . This analysis provides essential information on the morphology, texture and internal structure of materials, directly influencing their mechanical, thermal and rheological properties.

Depending on the nature of the sample and the required precision, grain size can be determined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or laser diffraction . These methods provide a detailed view of particle distribution and enable optimization of the formulation, manufacturing process or quality control of a product.

Analytical methods

Different techniques are used to measure grain size and distribution:

• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) : allows the surface structure of materials to be observed with nanometric resolution and grain size to be measured directly and precisely.
• Optical microscopy : used for materials with larger grains (metals, semi-crystalline polymers), it allows an estimate of the average size and distribution to be obtained.
• Laser diffraction : rapid and statistically representative method, suitable for powders and suspended particles (parameters D10, D50, D90).
• Image analysis : digital processing of micrographs to quantify grain size, shape and distribution.

These approaches can be combined to provide multi-scale characterization of the material, from microns to nanometers.

To go further, also discover:

• D10/D50/D90 particle size analysis ,
• scanning electron microscopy (SEM ) ,
• or even the analysis of powder cohesion to evaluate the mechanical behavior of particles.

Industrial applications

Measuring grain size is a key step in many areas:

• Materials and polymers : control of crystalline structure, evaluation of mechanical and thermal properties, monitoring of sintering or molding processes.
• Packaging : study of the surface and texture of polymer materials to ensure good adhesion and resistance.
• Metallurgy : measurement of grain refinement to determine the hardness and ductility of metal alloys.
• Ceramics and technical powders : optimization of sintering properties, density and homogeneity of the material.
• Cosmetics and nutraceuticals : control of the particle size of powders, pigments and dry extracts to ensure homogeneous dispersion and a suitable texture.

These analyses make it possible to anticipate the behavior of materials during the transformation and use stages, guaranteeing the stability and performance of finished products.

Analytical interest and complementarity

Grain size directly influences the physical properties of a material: the finer the grains, the higher the specific surface area, which impacts mechanical strength, dissolution, porosity and thermal conductivity .
This is why this analysis is often coupled with other tests for a complete understanding:

• Porosity analysis to correlate grain size with material density;
• DSC thermal analysis to identify microstructure-related crystal transitions;
• Hardness test to measure the influence of grain on mechanical strength;
• FTIR infrared spectroscopy to analyze the chemical composition of the material.

These combinations make it possible to link the microstructural and functional characteristics of the material, promoting targeted optimization of industrial processes.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab provides you with a network of ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC , specialized in microscopy, granulometry and characterization of solid materials .
Our experts will assist you in defining the method best suited to your matrix (powder, metal, polymer, ceramic) and your objectives (R&D, production, certification).

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests, track your samples, and access your results online. Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting materials, packaging, and powder manufacturers in their structure and performance analyses.

For any specific requests or quotes, contact our scientific team now.