A new collaborative research center called HORIBA India-IIT Delhi Technical Center has come up at the Department of Chemistry, IIT Delhi to strengthen the industry-academia partnership for joint research.

The center currently has a Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer (LA 960), which measures the size of particles in the range of 10nm – 5000um. The center will be further expanded with dynamic light scattering nano-particle size analyzer and environmental science analytical techniques in due course of time.

The LA-960 system can analyze both wet and dry samples and yield accurate number-based particle size distribution, which is vital information required in various research and quality control applications. For example, the particle size determines the glossiness of paint, the flavor of cocoa powder, the reflectivity of highway paint, the hydration rate and strength of cement, properties of die filling powder, absorption rates of pharmaceuticals, and the appearances of cosmetics.

Particle size has a profound effect on material properties such as taste, solubility, texture, and appearance and is a valuable indicator of quality and performance.