The NBTC has a viscometer and refractometer to assist with these measurements. If the dispersant you are using has not been listed, you will need to find the viscosity, refractive index, and (for zeta potential measurements) dielectric constant for that material.Select the liquid your sample is dispersed in from the list.If the material has not been listed, you will need to find the refractive index and absorption for that material.Ģ NBTC User Instructions ver3.0 Jan 4, 2009.Select the material you are measuring from the list.The data for this measurement will contain this label. Size, zeta potential, or molecular weight.
Go to Measure menu and select Start SOP or Manualįor manual measurement: a. (If you are using the instrument for the first time, create a personal folder in C:\Documents and Settings\zetasizer\My Documents\Malvern Instruments\DTS\Measurement Data Information on sample preparation can be found in Chapter 6 of the manual.Ĭreate new measurement file in your personal folder: FileÆ NewÆ Measurement File. NOTE: Sample preparation is critical to obtaining good data. Insert cuvette in instrument The light path goes from front to back, align your cuvette appropriately. NBTC User Instructions ver3.0 Jan 4, 2009 Open the lid to the zetasizer by pressing the metallic button 1 6.įill your selected cuvette with your prepared sample. If you are unsure about which cuvette to use for your measurement, please contact the tool manager.
From the File menu select close until all the measurement data is removed from the window OR Click the lower “X” in the right corner of the data window until all your measurement data is removed from the window.Ĭhoose the appropriate cuvette cell for your sample and measurement type. If measurement data from the previous user shows up it is important that you remove this.
Start the Zetasizer software by clicking the DTS desktop icon: Two final beeps will indicate the instrument has reached the default temperature of 25☌. When turning on the instrument, a beep will indicate the instrument has been turned on, followed by another beep when the instrument has finished the setup routine. An unstable light source is more likely to introduce errors in the measurements.
If the instrument is off, turn on the instrument and wait 30 minutes for the laser to stabilize. If needed, log in to the local instrument computer – Username: zetasizer. Activate the instrument computer by logging in to the central login system in the service corridor.