Nanomaterials analysis in the laboratory

Material Characterization Problem solving R&D Support
More than 140 people
More than 140 people at your service
5200 m² laboratory
5200 m² laboratory + 99% of services are provided in-house
Accredited laboratory
Accredited laboratory COFRAC ISO 17025
Quality
certifications
Cofrac
CIR
Qualiopi
ISO 9001

Specializing in the analysis and characterization of nanomaterials, FILAB supports industrial companies in the study of nanomaterials and the analysis of nanoparticles: nanoparticles: size, structure, composition, stability, and release. Our nanomaterials analysis laboratory puts its expertise at the service of process safety, regulatory compliance, and product performance optimization.

Your needs: laboratory characterization of nanomaterials to meet industrial and regulatory challenges

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You are looking to:

Classify a raw material as nano or non-nano 

Verify the presence of nanomaterials in your products 

Detect or quantify nanometric materials in your products (TiO2, ZnO...) 

Carry out a second expert assessment following a DGCCRF inspection

Gain better control over the use of nanomaterials to meet regulatory requirements

The FILAB laboratory, specializing in the characterization of nanomaterials and nanoparticles, has precise tools for evaluating these types of particles both in raw materials and finished products.

Among the most requested analysis, our nanomaterials characterization laboratory determines the specific volume (VSSA), obtained by measuring density using helium pycnometry and specific surface area using BET, as well as nanomaterial solubility tests and nanoparticle characterization (size, distribution, morphology), which are essential for controlling performance and regulatory compliance.

FILAB, a nanomaterials analysis laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 by COFRAC for nanomaterials characterization!

How does FILAB support you with your nanomaterials analysis?

As a specialized nano analysis laboratory, FILAB supports industrial companies in the precise characterization of their nanomaterials and nanoparticles at every stage of their production cycle. 

Whether for raw material testing, supplier validation, REACH compliance, or resolving production incidents, our team provides tailored solutions to secure your industrial projects and accelerate your innovations.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art analytical platform and a dedicated section for nanomaterials analysis, the FILAB laboratory offers support services for nanometric classification.

FILAB has, among others, the following analytical techniques for nanomaterials:

Our analytical services

Specific analysis by nanomaterial type

Identify and characterize the chemical and structural nature of your nanoparticles. Objective: Determine the composition, crystal structure, morphology, and purity of specific nanomaterials used in many industrial fields (cosmetics, paints, plastics, etc.).

Nanometric size and structural analysis

Monitor critical dimensions and nanometric classification in accordance with standards. Verify whether your materials meet the regulatory definition of a "nanoform" (REACH, ISO/TS 80004) by accurately measuring particle sizes and size distributions.

Behavior and release analysis

Assess the stability and behavior of nanomaterials in different environments. Understand how your nanomaterials interact with their environment (e.g., migration, solubility, bioavailability) to assess the risks of exposure or contamination.

Surface and functionalization analysis

Characterize surface modifications and treatments applied to your nanoparticles. Objective: Verify surface treatments (coatings, chemical grafting) intended to modify the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles for better integration into your formulations.

Regulatory and reporting support

Nanomaterials regulations: multisector expertise

To support manufacturers in bringing their nanomaterials into compliance, FILAB offers a range of analyses tailored to the main regulatory requirements.

As a COFRAC-accredited laboratory for nanomaterial analysis, we guarantee reliable, recognized results for your regulatory submissions.

At the FILAB laboratory, analyses are performed to address in particular:

Through this comprehensive approach, FILAB helps you manage your regulatory obligations, secure your industrial development projects, and enhance the market value of your products.

⚠️New nanomaterial bans and restrictions in cosmetics from February 1, 2025

EC Cosmetic Regulation No. 1223/2009 strictly regulates the use of nanomaterials to ensure consumer safety. ⚠️ Accordingly, new bans and restrictions will come into force on February 1, 2025, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/858, published on March 15, 2024. This text amends Annexes II and III of EC Regulation No. 1223/2009 due to safety concerns regarding 13 nanomaterials. As a result, several substances in nano form will be banned or subject to restrictions, particularly in toothpastes and mouthwashes. Manufacturers must now ensure that their products comply in order to anticipate these new requirements and avoid any risk of market withdrawal.

For more information, please contact us to characterize nanomaterials in your cosmetic products > contact@filab.fr

To support you under the best possible conditions, FILAB laboratory is accredited for the Research Tax Credit (CIR). FILAB is also a member of the AFNOR/X457 “Nanotechnology” committee and regularly participates in working groups on nanomaterials.

Our FAQ

FAQ - regulations and compliance

Do you offer nanomaterial compliance assessments against applicable standards (REACH, ISO)?

We perform specific analysis to characterize nanomaterials according to European regulatory criteria, particularly to meet REACH obligations.

Can we include your analysis results in our supplier validation or raw material qualification dossiers?

Yes, our reports are designed to meet industrial quality requirements (ISO 9001, GMP, etc.). We can also adapt our deliverables to your document management system (protocols, certificates of analysis, etc.).

FAQ - material characterization

Why analyze nanomaterials?

At the nanoscale, materials can develop unprecedented physicochemical properties related to their increased specific surface area and surface or quantum effects, altering their reactivity, conductivity, or mechanical behavior.

Nanomaterial analysis makes it possible to identify nanoparticles, measure their size, shape, and stability, and assess their impact in their intended-use context. This helps ensure regulatory compliance, manage risks, and optimize product performance.

Are you equipped to characterize complex industrial samples (mixtures, composites, polymer matrices, etc.)?

Yes, we have experience working in complex industrial environments. We have suitable tools for isolating and characterizing nanoparticles present in solid, liquid, or semi-solid matrices.

How can nanoparticles be detected and quantified in a complex product or industrial environment?

We implement specific detection methods to identify, count and characterize nanoparticles, even at trace levels, in order to address safety, quality control and regulatory compliance requirements.

How can we analyze the structure of our nanomaterials and detect any degradation or crystalline modifications?

Using tailored structural analysis, we identify the crystalline nature of your materials, as well as any transformations or degradation, to ensure the quality, durability and compliance of your functional materials.

How can we verify the actual density of our nanostructured materials to ensure the reliability of our manufacturing processes?

We perform precise density measurements on your samples, which are essential for adjusting your industrial processes and ensuring the consistency and performance of your nanoparticle-based materials.

How can we ensure the stability of our nanoemulsions or suspensions over time?

We assess the colloidal stability and dynamics of your suspensions, helping you anticipate agglomeration or sedimentation phenomena and secure the shelf life of your products under real-world conditions.

How can we control the size and distribution of our nanoparticles to ensure product performance?

We offer advanced characterization analysis to determine the size, shape and particle size distribution of your nanoparticles, helping optimize your formulations and validate compliance with product specifications.

What industrial risks are associated with uncharacterized nanoparticles?

Poor nanoparticle control can lead to product defects, regulatory non-compliance, health risks for operators and environmental issues. This is why rigorous, periodic analysis is essential.

FAQ - industrial processes and risk management

Do you provide support for optimizing our manufacturing processes incorporating nanomaterials?

Our experts can advise you on formulation, nanoparticle selection, dispersion, functionalization and integration into your industrial processes to maximize the performance and compliance of your products.

What industrial risks are associated with using uncharacterized nanomaterials in a manufacturing process?

Uncharacterized nanomaterials can lead to performance variations, regulatory non-compliance and uncontrolled health or environmental risks.

How can we optimize our industrial processes to ensure the stability and performance of nanomaterials incorporated into our products?

By analyzing the impact of manufacturing conditions on nanomaterial properties and adapting the process's critical parameters.

The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Tailor-made support
Video debriefing available with the expert
Video debriefing available with the expert
Thomas GAUTIER Materials Expert
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