ASTM B822-17

Standard Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Metal Powders and Related Compounds by Light Scattering

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Reported particle size measurement is a function of both the actual particle dimension and shape factor as well as the particular physical or chemical properties being measured. Caution is required when comparing data from instruments operating on different physical or chemical parameters or with different particle size measurement ranges. Sample acquisition, handling, and preparation can also affect reported particle size results.  
5.1.1 It is important to recognize that the results obtained by this test method, or any other method for particle size determination using different physical principles, may disagree. The results are strongly influenced by the physical principles employed by each method of particle size analysis. The results of any particle sizing method should be used only in a relative sense; they should not be regarded as absolute when comparing results obtained by other methods.  
5.2 Light scattering theory has been available for many years for use in the determination of particle size. Several manufacturers of testing equipment now have units based on these principles. Although each type of testing equipment uses the same basic principles for light scattering as a function of particle size, different assumptions pertinent to application of the theory, and different models for converting light measurements to particle size, may lead to different results for each instrument. Therefore, the use of this test method cannot guarantee directly comparable results from different types of instruments.  
5.3 Knowledge of the particle size distribution of metal powders is useful in predicting the powder-processing behavior and ultimate performance of powder metallurgy parts. Particle size distribution is related closely to the flowability, moldability, compressibility, and die-filling characteristics of a powder, as well as to the final structure and properties of finished powder metallurgy (P/M) parts.  
5.4 This test method is useful to both suppli...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution by light scattering, reported as volume percent, of particulate materials including metals and compounds.  
1.2 This test method applies to analyses with both aqueous and nonaqueous dispersions. In addition, analysis can be performed with a gaseous dispersion for materials that are hygroscopic or react with a liquid carrier.  
1.3 This test method is applicable to the measurement of particulate materials in the range of 0.4 to 2000 μm, or a subset of that range, as applicable to the particle size distribution being measured.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2017
• ICS: 13.300 - Protection against dangerous goods
• Technical Committee: B09 - Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products
• Drafting Committee: B09.02 - Base Metal Powders

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: B822 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Particle Size Distribution of Metal Powders and Related
1
Compounds by Light Scattering
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B822; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* B821 Guide for Liquid Dispersion of Metal Powders and
Related Compounds for Particle Size Analysis
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationoftheparticle
E1617 Practice for Reporting Particle Size Characterization
size distribution by light scattering, reported as volume
Data
percent, of particulate materials including metals and com-
3
2.2 ISO Standard:
pounds.
ISO13320-1 Particle Size Analysis—Laser Diffraction
1.2 This test method applies to analyses with both aqueous
Methods—Part 1: General Principles
and nonaqueous dispersions. In addition, analysis can be
performed with a gaseous dispersion for materials that are 3. Terminology
hygroscopic or react with a liquid carrier.
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of powder metallurgy terms
1.3 This test method is applicable to the measurement of can be found in Terminology B243.
particulate materials in the range of 0.4 to 2000 µm, or a subset
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
of that range, as applicable to the particle size distribution
3.2.1 background—extraneous scattering of light by ele-
being measured.
ments other than the particles to be measured; includes
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the scattering by contamination in the measurement path.
standard.
3.2.2 Fraunhofer Diffraction—the optical theory that de-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the scribes the low-angle scattering of light by particles that are
4
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the large compared to the wavelength of the incident light.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 Mie Scattering—the complex electromagnetic theory
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
that describes the scattering of light by spherical particles. It is
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
usually applied to particles with diameters that are close to the
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
wavelength of the incident light. The real and imaginary
4
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
indices of light refraction of the particles are needed.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.4 multiple scattering—the rescattering of light by a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
particle in the path of light scattered by another particle. This
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
usually occurs in heavy concentrations of a particle dispersion.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Summary of Test Method
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Aprepared sample of particulate material is dispersed in
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
water, or a compatible organic liquid, and circulated through
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
the path of a light beam or some other suitable light source.A
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
dry sample may be aspirated through the light in a carrier gas.
The particles pass through the light beam and scatter it.
Photodetectorarrayscollectthescatteredlightthatisconverted
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal
to electrical signals, which are then analyzed in a micropro-
Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
cessor. The signal is converted to a size distribution using
mittee B09.02 on Base Metal Powders.
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally Fraunhofer Diffraction or Mie Scattering, or a combination of
published as B822 – 92. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B822 –10. DOI:
10.1520/B0822-17.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Muly, E. C., Frock, H. N., “Industrial Particle Size Measurement Using Light
the ASTM website. Scattering,” Optical Engineering, Vol 19, No 6, 1980, pp. 861–869.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: B822 − 10 B822 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Particle Size Distribution of Metal Powders and Related
1
Compounds by Light Scattering
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B822; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution by light scattering, reported as volume percent,
of particulate materials including metals and compounds.
1.2 This test method applies to analyses with both aqueous and nonaqueous dispersions. In addition, analysis can be performed
with a gaseous dispersion for materials that are hygroscopic or react with a liquid carrier.
1.3 This test method is applicable to the measurement of particulate materials in the range of 0.4 to 2000 μm, or a subset of
that range, as applicable to the particle size distribution being measured.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B215 Practices for Sampling Metal Powders
B243 Terminology of Powder Metallurgy
B821 Guide for Liquid Dispersion of Metal Powders and Related Compounds for Particle Size Analysis
E1617 Practice for Reporting Particle Size Characterization Data
3
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO13320-1 Particle Size Analysis—Laser Diffraction Methods—Part 1: General Principles
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of powder metallurgy terms can be found in Terminology B243.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 background—extraneous scattering of light by elements other than the particles to be measured; includes scattering by
contamination in the measurement path.
3.2.2 Fraunhofer Diffraction—the optical theory that describes the low-angle scattering of light by particles that are large
4
compared to the wavelength of the incident light.
3.2.3 Mie Scattering—the complex electromagnetic theory that describes the scattering of light by spherical particles. It is
usually applied to particles with diameters that are close to the wavelength of the incident light. The real and imaginary indices
4
of light refraction of the particles are needed.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B09 on Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B09.02
on Base Metal Powders.
Current edition approved May 1, 2010April 1, 2017. Published June 2010April 2017. Originally published as B822 – 92. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as
B822 – 02.B822 –10. DOI: 10.1520/B0822-10.10.1520/B0822-17.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4
Muly, E. C., Frock, H. N., “Industrial Particle Size Measurement Using Light Scattering,” Optical Engineering, Vol 19, No 6, 1980, pp. 861–869.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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B822 − 17
3.2.4 multiple scattering—the rescattering of light by a particle in the path of light scattered by another particle. This usually
occurs in heavy concentrations of a particle dispersion.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A prepared sample of particulate material is dispersed in water, or a compatible organic liquid, and circulated through the
path of a light beam or some other
...