There are many possibilities once the technique of mounting is accomplished. One of the basic assumptions of the processing - property relationships is that clusters of particles lead to failure sources. Thus, much of the research at Keele U. is devoted to understanding the formation of clusters. They modified a Coulter Counter by inserting a 1 millimeter orifice in order to determine the size of clusters. They observed 40-50 micrometer sized clusters.
More particles lead to more clusters.
Thus, concentrated suspensionss must be examined to provide a true insight into proper cluster sizes. Although this is a relatively new materials effort in the UK, I think it will become a leader in several specialized fields of materials research. The developments to note are the particle mounted AFM for nanoparticle contact measurements, the affordable fibrous composite fuel cell, the small tubular solid oxide fuel cells and the fact that particle measurements should not be diluted for accurate measurements. The Centre for Particulate Materials is one to emulate for any university. This research facility should be a definite visit for future materials directors.