Abstract
For incorporation of nanoparticles into matrices, it is necessary to control the particle size distribution during processing. In this paper, a turbidimetric method was applied that uses spectroscopic data to determine the nanoparticle size distribution and, consequently, to control the material properties with a non-contact measurement method. This method is based on the scattering and absorption of light by the particles. Unlike conventional turbidimetric methods, this method uses not only a few wavelengths but a whole spectral range for evaluation. To determine the distribution parameters, a nonlinear numerical least squares fit routine was established. It was validated by comparing data of water-silica nanosuspensions with the results from the sedimentation method. The results show that this method is an accurate and easy-to-use analysis instrument for the characterization of nanosuspensions, emulsions, and aerosols.