Zetameter - ZetaCompact

Zeta Potential using micro-electrophoresis technique

Description - Principle

ZetaCompact is a zetameter based on the micro-electrophoresis, i.e. coupling direct observation (microscopy) and particles motion under an applied electric field (electrophoresis). Illumination of the measuring cell is done by a laser sheet or Single Plane Illumination Microscopy generated by the combination of lenses and a laser. This technique allows an observation in a single vertical plane. To determine Zeta Potential, this plane must correspond to the stationary layer which is accurately located and controlled. Particles motion is recorded with a high sensitivty digital camera.

Electrophoretic mobilities distribution is thus measured using a novel tracking algorithm optimized to follow up to 5 000 tracks/sequence. Based on digital images correlation, this algorithm offers a more accurate and sensitive determination of Zeta Potential, either in dilute or semi-diluted systems.

Specifications

ZetaCompact measures in live the following parameters, relevant in the determination of Zeta Potential:

Applications

Numerous applications of ZetaCompact end-users concern mainly the following activities:

• Suspensions
• Emulsions
• Bacteria
• Proteins
• Nanoparticles

Zetameter - ZetaCAD

Surface & Large Particles Zetametry based on Streaming Potential Measurement

Overview - Principle

ZetaCAD has been specially designed to automatically determine the Zeta Potential by the technique of streaming potential/current measurement. An electrolyte is forced to pass through a capillary or a porous plug by a pressure gradient. The excess charges around the particles or wall are carried along by the liquid. Their accumulation down stream causes the build-up of an electric field which drives an electric current back (by ionic conduction through the liquid) against the direction of the liquid flow. A steady state is quickly established and the measured potential across the capillary is called the streaming potential.

Specifications

This technique concerns mainly samples having large particles (> 50 µm) able to be retain in the cell, or surfacic or fibers samples, where the electrolyte can pass through under a pressure gradient. ZetaCAD gets the followings characteristics:

• Reliable and simple to setup
• Measurement and rinsing of the system are fully automated
• Menu driven software Windows based
• Data acquisition, treatment and export available with Excel

Applications

Particle size and zeta potential analyzer

 Features

• Particle size range: 20nm - 100micron

• Designed for windows 98, Me, 2000, XP

• Particle settling speed measurement

• I.E.P. (isoelectric point measurement) graph display

• Zeta potential distribution histogram display

• Cell with temperature control bath (option)

• Cell for measurement of dispersion in organic solvent (option)

 Specifications