1. Measure particle distribution two subsequent times (t and t-1).

2. Compute the aggregation rate
  \(\lambda _{add}(t)=\frac{1}{\Delta t\Delta d}\sum_{i}(\sum_{n}^{bin=i}c_{t}-\sum_{n}^{bin=i}c_{t-1})\)
where c is particle concentration (m^-3), n is the number of bins (i.e. size intervals), Δd is the bin size and Δt is the time step.

3. Compute e.g. 1st order aggregation rate constant λ_agg.

Mechanisms & Methods

Used for

This procedure is valid if particles are neither added nor removed from the system and particle size is not influenced by other processes.

Particle size distribution can be determined by NTA, DLS and ELS.

Exploring the time evolution of the aggregation rate requires multiple measurements across time points. This can be performed by NTA with sample loading from an autosampler. A 96 deep well plate allows experimental design of large time series or multiple repeat measurements of a single sample.

     Homoaggregation

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Read also

Visit the NanoFASE Library to read summaries of these reports:

NanoFASE Report D7.3 Differences in framework for assessment of intentional versus unintentional terrestrial NM exposures