MERCURY POROSIMETRY ANALYSIS

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SC11 - Mercury Porosimetry (intrusion cycle)

SC11A - Mercury Porosimetry (intrusion and extrusion cycle)

SC11 BD (mercury porosimetry with density and sample porosity determination)

Mercury porosimetry is both a powerful and accurate analytical technique for the determination of pore size distribution, pore volume and pore area. It can also be extended to the calculation of data such as bulk density, skeletal density and sample porosity. 

MCA Services use a state-of-the-art Micromeritics AutoPore porosimeter, capable of measuring pore size distributions in the approximate range 0.007 μm to 600 μm, depending on the nature of the sample. This, therefore, makes the mercury porosimetry technique suitable for the analysis of meso porous and macro porous materials.

 
Cumulative Intrusion by Mercury Porosimetry showing sample porosity and pore size distribution

Results are generally emailed as PDF files to speed up transmission to the client. In addition, we offer assistance with interpretation of results at no extra charge. MCA Services reports the following data as standard for the SC11 technique:

• Summary of key data 

• Total pore area

• Average pore diameter (by volume  and area)

• Average pore size     

• Cumulative intrusion against pore size diameter (graphical plot)

• Cumulative area against pore size diameter (graphical plot)

• Differential intrusion against pore size diameter (graphical plot)

• Complete tabulated list of data. 

      Mercury porosimetry is applicable to a wide range of sample materials and can be analysed in a variety of forms. MCA Services can generate mercury porosimetry data on a complete range of solid samples including solids, powders, cores, films and tapes. This analysis can also be combined with the measurement of sample density using mercury, for this option please refer to the section on density measurements.

The standard SC11 test can be extended to the SC11 BD test which includes the determination of bulk density and skeletal density and the measurement of sample porosity. Sample porosity is determined by volume and provides  that is complimentary to standard porosimetry analysis. The SC11A, includes a mercury extrusion cycle and may form an integral part of porosity testing as the nature of the sample pores may be ascertained.

For materials of smaller pore size the SC3 (nitrogen) test is applicable for the typical pore size range 360 nm to 0.55 nm. Alternatively, the two techniques may be combined to provide a pore size distribution throughout the range of pore sizes.

Further to the standard report options, it is possible for MCA Services to generate more specialised reports pertinent to porosimetry analysis. For convenience the units pore size and pore volume can be changed to include nm and Angstroms as required . MCA Services have considerable expertise in porosimetry testing and analysis and have often worked alongside clients on specialised projects. 

Normally it is advisable that samples are degassed prior to analysis in order to obtain the most accurate data by mercury porosimetry. MCA Services can accommodate a wide range of conditions for this which may be combined to suit the individual requirements of our clients. Degassing temperatures up to 200˚C under vacuum and 400˚C under flowing nitrogen or helium gas can be applied. Such activities are usually conducted at MCA Services immediately prior to analysis as part of the test itself.