Grain-size analysis of silicon powder

The results of the silicon powder grain-size composition found with the use of an optical microscope, Analysette-22 NanoTec laser diffraction microanalyzer, and SF-2 scanning photosedimentometer are presented. Choosing the dispersion conditions, in particular, the properties of a dispersive liquid and the ultrasonic generator power, is of great importance in setting a powder sample for analysis. Comparing three analytical procedures, one may note that the laser diffraction method offers a number of advantages over the other two; a wide measurement range, considerable number of processible particles, and short analysis time are among the advantages. Obtaining an undistorted image of an object under investigation is an advantage of optical microscopy.