Overview
ISO/TS 22107:2021 - Dispersibility of solid particles into a liquid - is a technical specification that provides a generic, application‑agnostic definition of dispersibility and a framework for evaluating how readily particulate materials can be dispersed into a liquid continuous phase. Published as the first edition in 2021, the document addresses dispersion processes that (a) reduce agglomerate/floc size to an intended level, (b) homogenize an existing dispersed solid phase, or (c) exchange the continuous phase of a suspension. It applies to nano‑ and micro‑sized particles across a wide range of product applications.
Key Topics
- Generic definition of dispersibility: A qualitative or quantitative property assessing the ease with which a particulate source material can be dispersed into a liquid; includes homogeneity and particle size endpoints.
- Core terminology: Clear definitions for terms such as agglomerate, aggregate, floc, particle, primary particle, homogeneity, dispersion stability and dispersing agent-ensuring consistent use in characterization and reporting.
- Fundamental aspects of the dispersion process: Objectives such as wetting the powder, achieving uniform distribution (homogeneity), and reducing agglomerate size to application‑specific criteria; distinction from comminution (size reduction of primary particles).
- Characteristics to evaluate dispersibility: Includes end‑point criteria like particle size distribution and spatial uniformity; notes the role of process parameters (e.g., energy density, dispersing agents) in performance.
- Methods overview: A compilation and examples of characterization techniques and sample preparation approaches used to assess dispersibility (methods are referenced for context rather than prescribed).
- Scope limits: The specification does not address long‑term aging, secondary destabilization, shelf life or stability phenomena in depth-these are covered by other ISO guidance.
Applications
ISO/TS 22107:2021 is valuable for:
- R&D and formulation teams in paints, inks, coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and polishing or conductive materials who need standardized language and evaluation criteria for dispersion quality.
- Quality control and analytical laboratories preparing suspensions for particle characterization or comparison across batches and suppliers.
- Regulatory and risk‑assessment professionals evaluating nano‑enabled products where the state of dispersion affects performance and safety.
- Manufacturers and suppliers establishing acceptance criteria or test protocols for particle dispersibility or homogeneity in liquid systems.
Related Standards (examples)
- ISO/TR 13097 (dispersion terminology and stability context)
- ISO/TR 18811 (stability and shelf life references)
- Annex A of ISO/TS 22107 lists national and international standards commonly used in dispersion characterization.
Keywords: ISO/TS 22107:2021, dispersibility, dispersion process, particle dispersibility, suspension, nano and micro particles, dispersion characterization, homogeneity, dispersion stability.