Powders & Particles Testing & Analysis

Powders & Bulk Solids Testing & Analysis

A powder that ran smoothly last month but starts jamming this week has changed in some way. Often, it is a change that no one thought to measure. Particle size, shape, density, surface area, and moisture can all affect how a powder flows, packs, and performs in a press, printer, or reactor. That is what we characterize at MatX Lab. We can look at particle size and surface area, flow and density, composition and phase, or simply compare one batch with the previous one. The goal is straightforward: to identify which property has changed.

What We Analyze in Powders & Bulk Solids

Powder work comes down to three things: what the particles are like, how the bulk material behaves, and what it is made of. We measure particle size, shape, and surface area, and we also look at flow, density, and moisture. We then confirm the composition and phase. The same measurements used to qualify an incoming lot can also help identify a processing problem or explain a change between batches.

• Particle size distribution and particle shape
• Specific surface area and agglomeration
• Apparent density, tap density, and flow properties
• Water content and volatile content
• Chemical composition, purity, and contaminants
• Crystal form and crystal structure
• Composition, purity, and contamination

How We Test Powders & Bulk Solids

Powder work usually combines particle sizing with physical-property and composition methods, and we scope the combination your question needs. The methods below are the ones we reach for most, and each links to its own page.

Particle Analysis:

Laser diffraction, sieve analysis and gas adsorption measure particle size distribution, shape, and specific surface area. These properties can directly affect how a powder flows, packs, and reacts.

Imaging & Microscopy:

SEM and optical microscopy provide a closer look at particle morphology, agglomeration, and surface features, giving you a clearer picture behind the size measurements.

Physical & Rheological Properties:

We measure apparent and tap density, flow rate, and moisture to understand the handling properties that affect how consistently a powder feeds and packs.

Elemental Analysis:

ICP and XRF are used to determine composition, purity, and potential contamination, helping verify that a powder meets its required specification.

Structural Characterization:

Identifies crystal phase and structure by X-ray diffraction, confirming the intended material and detecting unwanted phases.

Thermal Analysis:

TGA and DSC are used to check moisture, volatile content, and how the material behaves when heated. These properties can affect processing and how stable the powder is during storage.

Surface Analysis:

We look at the chemistry and coatings on the particle surface. These surface properties can affect how the powder flows, disperses, and reacts.

Industries That Rely on Powders & Bulk Solids Testing

Powder testing spans sectors that process particulate feedstock, from additive manufacturing and metal powders to battery materials and functional fillers.

Advanced Materials · Manufacturing · Energy · Metals & Metalworking · Semiconductors

Standards & Test Methods

Powder testing follows the method required for the material and its specification. When an applicable standard exists, we use it and include the reference in the report. We follow the testing method specified for your powder and document the results clearly.