Delft Solids Solutions: expert in solids, from coating particles to granulation

In a world where materials are manufactured with increasingly finer structures and high demands on purity, particle size and stability, Delft Solids Solutions plays a key role. As a contract research organisation (CRO) specialising in the physical characterisation of solids — such as powders and granules — this Dutch company supports companies in various industries in solving complex powder and particle issues. In this article, we explore what Delft Solids Solutions does, what you need to know about coating particles and what granulation entails, plus why both processes are important in materials and powder technology.

Who is Delft Solids Solutions?

Delft Solids Solutions is a laboratory and knowledge centre based in Wateringen, founded in 2002 as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology. They specialise in the physical characterisation of solid matter in the form of powders and granules. Their areas of expertise include particle size and shape, porosity, specific surface area, bulk material characterisation and chemical composition. Delft Solids Solutions works to high quality standards (ISO 17025) and offers services such as R&D, consultancy, powder processing and the organisation of courses and seminars. 

Coating particles: what are they, and why are they important?

In many production technologies, it is necessary for solids – particularly particles – to be coated. Coating particles are particles that are (partially) coated with another layer: this can serve to protect particles, modify properties such as solubility, behaviour in liquids, release of active substances, or to control interactions with their environment.

• Properties of coating particles: the thickness of the coating, its homogeneous distribution, adhesion, and consistency are crucial. Small deviations can lead to uneven performance or process problems.
• Applications: in the pharmaceutical industry, for example, to release an active substance in a protected manner; in coatings and paints to improve wear resistance or UV protection; or in catalysts to influence selectivity.
• Challenges: analysing coating particles requires accurate methods to characterise both the core and the coating. These include microscopy, spectroscopy, layer thickness measurements, and surface scans. Delft Solids Solutions provides support in this area: they can measure how thick a coating is, how uniform it is, and whether the adhesion is good.

Granulation: process, importance and role of Delft Solids Solutions

Granulation is a process in which finely divided particles or powders are transformed into coarser granules (granulates). Granulates are easier to handle: they flow better, produce less dust, cause less loss, are easier to dose, and often improve consistency in processing.

• Types of granulation: there are various methods, such as wet granulation (adding moisture to form lumps or granules), dry granulation (compression, rollers), and other variants depending on the type of material and desired granulometry.
• Why granulation? Granulation reduces dust formation (beneficial for health & safety), improves processability (flowability, transport), makes dosing more accurate, and can even improve the physical properties of products (e.g. solubility, mechanical strength).
• Role of characterisation in granulation: To optimise granulation, you need to measure particle size and shape, particle uniformity, surface appearance, density and porosity, etc. Delft Solids Solutions offers laboratory and analytical methods to determine these parameters so that manufacturers know which granulation process works best and to monitor quality. 

How Delft Solids Solutions distinguishes itself

• Wide range of analysis methods: from porosity, surface and bulk characterisation to analysis of (nano)particles. 
• Tailor-made approach: research is conducted in collaboration with the client, often using test setups that are specific to their product application. 
• Knowledge transfer: they share their expertise through seminars, courses and the knowledge centre, which is important in a field where new technologies and regulations (e.g. for nanomaterials) are constantly evolving.