Characterisation: Ceramics and Colloids

This lecture covers the characterisation of ceramics and colloids, focusing on powder characterisation, raw materials, synthesis methods, and treatment techniques. Topics include powder morphology, distributions, sieved powders, and the importance of sample representativeness in ceramic manufacturing. Various methods such as microscopy, sedimentation, and light scattering are discussed, along with practical examples and comparisons. Specific techniques like Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) and Laser Diffraction are explained in detail, highlighting their applications in particle size analysis. The lecture emphasizes the significance of understanding particle shape, size distributions, and the challenges associated with characterising fine particles and non-spherical shapes.