PCIG Newsletter February 2025
Welcome to the sixth edition of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) Newsletter! This issue highlights the latest advancements in particle technology and celebrates our community’s achievements.
Research Highlights:
• Enhancing Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in Powder Processing: Innovative solutions, such as PTFE-wiped probes and spider wheel attachments, are improving real-time powder measurements.
• In-Situ Characterisation of Nanoparticle Assembly: Video microscopy offers valuable insights into nanoparticle deposition, enabling better control of self-assembly processes.
People Focus:
• Spotlight on Caroline Welch (Mondelez International) and Dr. Emil Obeid (American University of the Middle East), who share their research journeys—from industrial applications in particle characterisation to advanced material science and catalysis.
• Interview with Prof. Dr. Herman Vromans, who reflects on his extensive career in pharmaceutical technology and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research.
• Celebrating The Forge 2024 Prize Winners.
Updates and Events:
• The Forge 2024 Review: A showcase of how particle characterisation contributes to solving industrial challenges and advancing research.
• Upcoming Events: Listings include major conferences not to be missed, providing opportunities to stay updated on the latest developments in the field.
PCIG Newsletter September 2024
The fifth edition of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) newsletter presents a rich mix of research highlights, personal stories, and community updates.
Research Highlights
• Dynamic Image Analysis (DIA): An increasingly relevant technique for analysing particle size and shape in dry powders. The article discusses setup, image capture, and challenges such as agglomeration and overlapping particles.
• Interferometric Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (iNTA): A powerful method to accurately measure nanoparticle concentration in polydisperse mixtures, with demonstrated application to SARS-CoV-2 samples.
People Focus
• Member Spotlights: Dr. Han Wu and Mel Disher share their career paths, from research management and advanced instrumentation to consultancy in particle characterisation.
• Inspirational Interview: Prof. Sayantan Das discusses bottom-up self-assembly for functional nanomaterials and their real-world applications, from sensors to food preservation.
• Reflections from IUPAC-CHAINS 2023: Tien Thuy Quach shares insights gained as a Young Observer, emphasizing international collaboration and personal development.
Feature Article:
Gary W. Beall reflects on a career spanning decades in nanoparticles and nanocomposites, culminating in the development of food-preserving coatings through self-assembled nanocomposites.
Community Updates
• Successful in-person committee meeting held at Malvern Panalytical.
• Key upcoming events include FORGE 2024 and international conferences in nanotechnology, solid-state chemistry, and materials science.
PCIG Newsletter April 2024
This edition of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) newsletter features insightful scientific content, career stories, and community updates aimed at fostering engagement among members.
Research Highlights
• Single-Particle Thermometry: A study on hyperspectral anti-Stokes thermometry applied to Au/Pd nanoparticles demonstrates how morphology and interface design affect photothermal properties.
• Guide to Electron Microscopy (EM): An in-depth overview of techniques including SEM, TEM, cryo-EM, and FIB-SEM, exploring their principles, applications, and developments in nanoscale imaging.
People Focus
Member Spotlights:
• Brian Miller, Managing Director at Meritics Ltd, shares 40+ years of experience in particle characterisation.
• John Gamble, Associate Scientific Director at Bristol Myers Squibb, discusses his work in pharmaceutical materials science.
• Interview with Stefanos Mourdikoudis (University of Vigo), reflecting on curiosity-driven research, academic challenges, and his passion for mentoring.
Inspiring Stories:
• Phil Jackson describes how industrial challenges, including ceramic glazing and silica regulations, have driven impactful research.
• Mark Cresswell reflects on expanding consultancy work into cosmetics and the insights gained from the Society of Cosmetic Scientists Conference.
Updates & Opportunities
• Free RSC Membership for UK & Ireland undergraduate students.
• PCIG Christmas Workshop: “Material Characterisation in the Nanoscale” hosted at Burlington House, covering eight analytical techniques.
• Upcoming Events: Technical training on BET and surface area analysis, and the FORGE 2024 conference—plus a packed calendar of national and international events.
PCIG Newsletter November 2023
The third edition of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) newsletter offers valuable insights into emerging techniques, inspiring careers, and upcoming community events.
Research Highlights
• Nanoparticles – Small but Versatile: From ancient artefacts like the Lycurgus Cup to modern sunscreens, nanoparticles play diverse roles across medicine, energy, and environmental science. Their classification, applications, and analysis techniques such as TEM, SEM, AFM, SAXS, and XRD are explored in depth.
• Single Particle Extinction and Scattering (SPES): A novel technique enabling characterisation of individual particles in complex mixtures. It measures extinction cross-section and polarizability to distinguish particle size, composition, and refractive index.
People Focus
• Conversation with Our Inspirers: Phil Jackson (Lucideon) shares his journey from chemistry to technical consultancy, offering reflections on motivation, problem-solving, and the value of humility.
• Get to Know: Spotlights on committee members Karen Pardoe and Steve Ward-Smith, highlighting their diverse contributions to particle science in fields like food, pharmaceuticals, and instrumentation.
Updates & Opportunities
• Event Feature: Highlights from the UK Society of Biomaterials conference, where PCIG’s Phil Jackson discussed particle characterisation in biomaterials.
• Upcoming Event: PCIG’s “Material Characterisation in the Nanoscale” conference, 5th December 2023 at RSC Burlington House, with expert talks on cutting-edge techniques.
PCIG Newsletter August 2023
The second edition of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) newsletter explores the fundamentals of matter, analytical techniques, career stories, and practical guidance for researchers.
Research Highlights
• Elemental Particles – Our Building Blocks: This article explains the subatomic structure of matter—from atoms down to quarks and leptons—offering a foundation for understanding particle characterisation at its most fundamental level.
• Techniques Behind Understanding Particle Properties: Phil Jackson examines the broad scope of particle characterisation, from dry powders to suspensions and emulsions. He discusses techniques like rheometry, zeta potential, and Design of Experiments (DoE), with real-world applications in pharmaceuticals and ceramics.
People Focus
Get to Know:
• Chris Williamson reflects on a 40-year career in drug discovery and process development at GlaxoSmithKline, and his renewed interest in PCIG.
• Phil Jackson shares his journey through ceramics, powder technologies, consultancy, and innovation in controlled-release systems and additive manufacturing.
Practical Insights
• Funding Your Conference Attendance: Mel Disher outlines 10 practical strategies for PhD students to fund academic travel, from university grants to crowdfunding and volunteering.
Community News
Members are encouraged to share personal and professional updates, research collaborations, and training opportunities.
PCIG Newsletter April 2023
The inaugural edition of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group (PCIG) newsletter marks a fresh start for community engagement, scientific insight, and member stories.
Research Highlights
• What Can We Achieve with Particle Characterisation? This introduction explores how particle properties—chemical and physical—determine material behaviour, with techniques ranging from IR and NMR to SEM and DLS.
• Aerogels – Something New, Something Old: A spotlight on aerogels, the world’s lightest solids, known for their high porosity and thermal insulation. Characterisation methods like SAXS, SEM, and gas adsorption are crucial to advancing applications in water purification, drug delivery, and bio-materials.
People Focus
• Meet the Committee: A call for members to get involved and share their experiences.
• Inspiring Story by Tien Quach: A personal reflection on studying abroad, including her journey from Vietnam to a Master’s at the University of Strathclyde and PhD studies in the UK—blending research, volunteering, and cultural exploration.
Update Corner
• Questionnaire Results: Feedback from members shows a strong interest in newsletters, webinars, and practical-level seminars. The Forge conference received positive attention for its focus on early-career scientists.
• Events Calendar: A comprehensive list of upcoming trade shows, academic conferences, and webinars in particle science and related technologies.