The Particle Characterisation Group is one of the RSC's many Interest Groups. The Interest Groups are member driven groups which exist to benefit RSC members, and the wider chemical science community, in line with the RSC's strategy and charter.
The distribution of particle sizes and shapes, together with the characterisation of surfaces, has been shown to greatly influence the process of particulate and porous systems and therefore is of immense interest to manufacturers allied to the bulk powder industries, for example.
Aims
- To provide a forum through which those persons with a common interest in ways to dimensionally characterise single or assemblies of particles, in the solids handling, solids fabrication and general solid particulate industries, can meet to exchange views, discuss problems and generate ideas.
- To bring together diverse but interdependent specialists from many industries to provide a link between different industries and educational institutions.
- To work with other groups working in associated areas.
Activities
Frequent meetings of the Particle Characterisation Group are held on a friendly and informal basis to encourage the free exchange of ideas and to promote lively discussion.
Chemistry Origami
This project was carried out by the group as part of the International Year of Chemistry Challenge in 2012. The intention of the project was to work with students regarding how elements bond together to form compounds and then crystals and particles. A pilot project was run at a school in Surrey in October 2012 and the downloadable resource is the starting point, or building block, for the discussion on bonds, shape, crystals, particles.
A common chemical structure of a square based pyramid is the initial focus which is a simple structure to make but imperative to chemistry. It is used extensively in chemistry to represent a tetrahedral structure with a central atom surrounded by four atoms usually of a different element. This basic structure is one of the most common structures used in chemistry and structure of molecules is also part of the UK high school curriculum.
Depending on the audience this can be developed greatly in numerous ways including thinking of other compounds that may form tetrahedral structures/ introduction of the graphite structure.
Community
We are always looking for new members who are keen to get involved and to help organise our activities. If you would like to find out more please contact the Secretary.
How to Join
RSC members can join the Particle Characterisation Group by updating their details in the “My communities and subscriptions” tab of the online RSC membership area. Please click here to login and add to your list of Interest Groups.
Quick links
Awards
Information about current awards offered by the Particle Characterisation Group.
Bursaries
Bursaries are available to student members of the Particle Characterisation Interest Group of the RSC in order to attend conferences.
Forthcoming events
Forthcoming events organised by the Particle Characterisation Group.
Contact the Secretary
For further information on the Particle Characterisation Group you can contact the Secretary, Mr Brian Miller CChem MRSC.
Support for interest groups
Useful information and resources for all RSC interest groups.
Committee
Chair
Mr Chris Williamson FRSC
Retired
Treasurer
Dr Han Wu MRSC
University College London, Faculty of Engineering