Morphological characterization

Morphological characterization involves observing , measuring and analyzing the shape, size, roughness and distribution of particles or components of a material. This approach provides essential information on the micro- and nanoscopic structure of samples, directly related to their functional, mechanical or sensory properties .

It applies to many industrial fields — cosmetics, food, materials, polymers, nutraceuticals and plants — and allows the evaluation of:

• The shape and size of the particles (granulometry, distribution, sphericity).
• Surface texture and roughness .
• Dispersion and agglomeration of particles.
• The uniformity of structure in solid or liquid formulations.

This analysis is decisive for the quality of the products , their stability , their mechanical performance and even their sensory perception .

Analytical methods used

The reference technique for morphological characterization is scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . It allows high-resolution observation (down to a few nanometers) of the surface of samples using an electron beam.

Related methods include:

• MEB/SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) : detailed topographical and morphological analysis (shape, porosity, roughness).
• Optical microscopy : lower resolution observation, suitable for micrometric particles.
• Software-assisted image analysis : statistical processing of morphological parameters (size, distribution, sphericity, agglomeration index).
• Laser granulometry or size distribution analysis to complete particle characterization.

These methods can be combined with complementary analyses (EDS/EDX) to determine the elemental composition of the observed surfaces.

Affected matrices

Morphological characterization is applicable to a wide variety of samples:

• Food and functional powders (proteins, starches, fibers, micronized ingredients).
• Plant extracts and nutraceutical supplements.
• Pigments, cosmetic powders and clays.
• Polymers, composites and porous materials.
• Colloidal suspensions and emulsions.

These analyses make it possible to link morphological characteristics to physicochemical and mechanical properties , such as solubility, surface reactivity, powder cohesion or compressive strength.

Industrial and scientific applications

Morphological characterization plays a key role in:

• The development and optimization of formulations (powders, emulsions, materials).
• Quality control in industrial production.
• The evaluation of the physical stability of solid or dispersed products.
• Failure analysis of materials or packaging.
• The study of bioavailability and sensory texture in the nutraceutical and food field.

The data obtained can be used in technical and regulatory files (e.g. REACH compliance, ISO 13322 for particle morphology).

Related analyses

For a complete characterization of materials, morphology can be coupled with:

• Laser particle size analysis to determine particle size distribution.
• Analysis of powder cohesion to study flow properties.
• analysis coupled with EDX for elemental composition.
• Specific surface area analysis (BET) to quantify porosity.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , specialized in surface analysis, rheology and morphology .

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can order your analyses, track your samples and consult your reports online, with ease.