Overview
EN ISO 8130-13:2019 - Coating powders: Particle size analysis by laser diffraction specifies a standardized method for determining the equivalent-sphere particle size distribution (PSD) of coating powders using laser diffraction. The method covers particles in the range 1 µm to 300 µm and is tailored to coating-powder materials, including guidance on apparatus, sampling, test conditions and result reporting. The standard notes that particle sizes above 300 µm may require a different optical model and that laser diffraction is not suitable for detecting oversize material.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and principle
- Defines measurement principle: particles scatter laser light; measured scattering pattern is converted to a volumetric PSD using an appropriate optical model.
- Target size range: 1 µm–300 µm (equivalent-sphere basis).
- Apparatus and environment
- Requires a laser diffraction particle size analyser compliant with ISO 13320 and suitable feeder/disperser for coating powders.
- Instrument location: clean, draft-free, vibration-free environment; use contamination-free compressed air or vacuum for dispersion.
- Sampling and test conditions
- Representative sampling per ISO 15528; typical sample mass 3–5 g (subject to instrument supplier advice).
- Standard atmosphere 23/50 class 2 as per ISO 291 unless otherwise agreed.
- Procedure and precautions
- Follow instrument manufacturer instructions and ISO 13320 for instrument qualification, warm-up and alignment.
- Safety: earthing to avoid electrostatic ignition of powder.
- Limitations and verification
- Laser diffraction is not appropriate for oversize particles; verify oversize by sieve analysis (ISO 8130‑1) or dynamic image analysis (ISO 13322‑2).
- Analysis, accuracy and reporting
- Includes guidance on optical model selection, instrument performance checks, reference materials, error sources, and expression of results.
Applications and users
- Practical for powder-coatings manufacturers, quality control laboratories, R&D teams, and instrument suppliers needing standardized PSD data for process control, formulation, and regulatory compliance.
- Typical uses: batch acceptance testing, process troubleshooting, comparative product specifications, and material characterization for coating performance (flow, curing, appearance).
Related standards
- ISO 13320 - Particle size analysis: laser diffraction methods (instrument qualification and PSD guidance).
- ISO 15528 - Sampling of paints, varnishes and raw materials.
- ISO 291 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing.
- ISO 8130‑1 - Sieve analysis for oversize verification.
- ISO 13322‑2 - Dynamic image analysis for particle sizing.
Keywords: EN ISO 8130-13:2019, coating powders, particle size analysis, laser diffraction, particle size distribution, PSD, ISO 13320, sieve analysis, dynamic image analysis.