Importance of Sample Dispersion in Microscopy-Based Particle Characterisation

Automated image analysis offers high-resolution measurement of particle size and particle shape through direct image capture. It delivers highly valuable data for a wide range of particle sizes, typically from below 1 µm up to several thousand, and is ideal for many sample types.
While automated particle characterisation has clear advantages compared to laborious and time-consuming manual microscopy methods, harnessing the maximum benefit from this powerful tool requires appropriate sample preparation. Indeed, it constitutes the most critical step in the particle characterisation process since even highly advanced instrumentation cannot generate good results from poorly dispersed samples. Appropriate preparation methods are therefore needed for all sample types, whether dry powders, liquids or particles collected on filters.