Towards a Framework for Evaluating and Reporting Hansen Solubility Parameters: Applications to Nano and Micron Scale Particle Dispersions

A thorough understanding of complex interactions within particulate systems is a key for knowledge-based formulations. Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) are widely used to assess the compatibility of the dispersed phase with the continuous phase. At present, the determination of HSP is often based on a liquid ranking list obtained by evaluating a pertinent dispersion parameter using only one pre-selected characterization method. Furthermore, one cannot rule out the possibility of subjective judgment especially for liquids for which it is difficult to decipher the compatibility or underlying interactions. As a result, the end value of HSP might be of little or no information. To overcome these issues, we introduce a generalized technology-agnostic combinatorics-based approach. We discuss the principles of the approach and the implications of evaluating and reporting particle HSP values. We demonstrate the approach by using SiN_x particles synthesized in the gas phase. We leverage the analytical centrifugation data to evaluate stability trajectories of SiN_x dispersions in various liquids to deduce particle-liquid compatibility.