ISO 14887:2000 PDF

Overview

ISO 14887:2000 - Sample preparation: Dispersing procedures for powders in liquids provides practical guidance for preparing reproducible, well‑defined dispersions of powders in liquids for particle size analysis. The standard targets simple, dilute suspensions (less than 1% by volume solids) and particle sizes approximately 0.05 µm to 100 µm. It is intended to help analysts achieve appropriate wetting, deagglomeration and dispersion stability so particle size results reflect the intended dispersion state.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Examination of the dry powder
  • Microscope or electron‑microscope checks for clump size, primary particle morphology and surface roughness.
  • Sampling guidance referencing ISO 8213.
• Selection of dispersing liquid
  • Choose liquids compatible with the measurement method (sedimentation, light scattering) and with low reactivity, low solubility for the powder, and controlled temperature sensitivity.
• Wetting and trial dispersion
  • Prepare a test paste to wet and break clumps, then dilute to a small test dispersion for microscopy.
• Deagglomeration and energy control
  • Procedures to detect under‑ or over‑grinding; increase energy (for example, using ultrasonic treatment) until clumps are broken without excessive breakage of primary particles.
• Evaluation of dispersion stability
  • Microscopic checks for reagglomeration and particle motion; criteria and tests to assess stability during sample handling and analysis.
• Dispersing agent selection and optimization
  • Guidance and decision charts to identify likely dispersing agent categories and to optimize concentration (CMC considerations) and solution composition to prevent reagglomeration.
• Maintenance of dispersion stability
  • Procedures to limit reagglomeration or adsorption to container walls during analysis.
• Informative annexes
  • Annex A: alternative dispersion‑stability tests and complicating factors (surface treatments, soluble components).
  • Annex B: classification of commercial dispersing agents.

Practical applications and users

ISO 14887 is useful for:

• Particle size analysts and laboratory technicians preparing samples for optical, electron, light‑scattering, or sedimentation measurements.
• R&D, quality control and process control teams in industries where particle size matters: paints, inks, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agrochemicals, filled polymers and mineral processing.
• Laboratories needing reproducible sample preparation protocols when evaluating powders or comparing dispersions across sites.

Note: ISO 14887 is not intended for formulation or testing of concentrated commercial products (high‑solids paints, inks, etc.) - it focuses on simple, dilute dispersions for particle size analysis.

Related standards

• ISO 8213 - Sampling techniques for solid chemical products (referenced normative).
• ISO 9276‑2 - Methods referenced for surface‑area and particle‑size distribution calculations.

Keywords: ISO 14887:2000, sample preparation, dispersing procedures, powders in liquids, particle size analysis, deagglomeration, dispersing agents, dispersion stability.