Losert S., Hungerbühler K., Lattuada M., Ulrich A.
EMPA, CH
Keywords: exposure, nanospray, release
The characterization of nanoparticle release from consumer spray products is challenging. Therefore, we developed different analytical methods to determine quantity, morphology, size and elemental distribution for engineered nanoparticles in the original spray suspension and the generated aerosol. For the investigation of the spray dispersion asymmetric field flow fractionation was used. This method allows a detailed characterization of particle size and size distributions, concentration and chemical composition of the dispersions. The determination of the airborne nanoparticles is performed in a glove box setup to ensure reliable spray experiments in a particle minimized environment. The particle size distribution in the size range > 500 nm is determined by an optical counter, whereas the lower size range is measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer. In parallel an electrostatic sampler is employed which allows a sampling of single particles on transmission electron microscopy grids for subsequent electron microscopy analysis to achieve information on size, morphology and chemistry of the nanoparticles and agglomerated in the generated spray aerosols. Moreover, the humidity with in the glove box needs to be controlled because it has a strong influence on the spatial spray aerosol distribution as well as on drying and agglomeration behavior.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2013: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 473 - 476
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Environmental Health & Safety of Nanomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0586-2