Nano lab: analysis of industrial nanoparticles

The presence of industrial nanoparticles in a formulation, coating, powder, suspension, or finished product raises technical, quality, and regulatory challenges. Manufacturers must be able to confirm the presence of nanometric particles, determine their size, morphology, agglomeration state, chemical composition, and surface functionalization. These data are essential to secure development, investigate a non-conformity, document a regulatory file, or qualify a raw material. Our nano lab supports manufacturers across all sectors with nanoparticle analysis in a wide range of matrices, from trace detection to advanced characterization.

Assessing size and morphology is a central step in any nanoparticle analysis. The laboratory can perform counting and size distribution by SEM, DLS, or laser diffraction depending on the nature of the sample. Morphological study by FEG-SEM-EDX makes it possible to observe particle shape, dispersion, agglomeration, and obtain initial elemental information. For powders and solid materials, specific surface area measurement by BET and density by helium pycnometry can help with nanoscale classification.

To precisely identify the nature of nanoparticles, the laboratory relies on composition and structure techniques. Chemical determination can be carried out by ICP-MS, ICP-AES, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, NMR, or HR-MS depending on the analytes sought. XRD makes it possible to study crystal structure and crystallinity, which is particularly useful for differentiating mineral forms or confirming the nature of a compound such as TiO2 or ZnO. Detection and characterization of nanoparticles by SP-ICP-MS or ICP-MS/MS are particularly suitable when the issue concerns the presence of metallic or mineral particles at trace levels.

Beyond detection alone, the laboratory can conduct studies on the stability and behavior of nanoscale systems, particularly nano-emulsions, suspensions, or materials likely to release particles. These investigations help understand process drift, product failure, contamination, changes in size during storage, or release under use conditions. They are especially useful in an expert assessment following a non-conformity or in the qualification of new raw materials.

The laboratory uses a tailored approach for the detection, characterization, and expert assessment of nanomaterials. Studies may focus on particle morphology, particle size distribution, the stability of a nano-emulsion, nanomaterial release, nanoscale classification, or the identification of mineral, metallic, and organic particles. Support also covers the development and validation of analytical methods specific to nanomaterials, as well as regulatory support related to applicable declarations and requirements. Depending on your needs, our teams can also direct you to other services in the Sector Activity or to technical content such as Industrial Coatings Nanomaterials.

Analytical resources include in particular FEG-SEM-EDX, SP-ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-AES, XRD, DLS, BET, AFM, XPS, TOF-SIMS, and helium pycnometry. This complementarity makes it possible to handle raw materials, formulations, coatings, deposits, cosmetic products, medical devices, process water, or complex suspensions. If you have a related need involving technical matrices, complementary expertise such as Rubber Deformulation Lab may also be relevant.

Surface state has a major influence on the behavior of nanomaterials. Techniques such as XPS, TOF-SIMS, and AFM make it possible to study surface chemistry, functionalization, surface heterogeneity, or certain interactions with the matrix. These approaches are useful for investigating performance loss, adhesion defects, formulation instability, or changes in behavior between batches. They can also complement a study of deposits or contamination when the presence of fine particles is suspected.

Support includes regulatory assistance for nanomaterials, with possible help on the R-nano declaration, the cosmetic regulation 1223/2009, the food regulation INCO No. 1169/2011, REACH, the ISO 10993-22 guidelines, as well as the expectations of competent authorities. The laboratory also provides bibliographic and regulatory review, method development, validation and transfer, search for substitutes for chemical compounds, and development of new formulations or new products. For similar analytical issues, expert pages such as Analysis of Incinerator Bottom Ash Lab also illustrate the characterization approach for complex matrices.

Working with Filab means relying on an independent laboratory with advanced analytical capabilities and support from PhD-level scientists and engineers. The approach is built around real industrial needs: identify, measure, compare, understand, justify, and document. The laboratory handles one-off requests as well as R&D projects, with tailor-made services for nanoparticle screening, full nanomaterial characterization, elemental impurity analysis, deposit studies, or the development of specific methods. To launch your project: define your analytical objective, submit your matrix and constraints, have your nanoparticles characterized, secure your compliance, and obtain tailored technical support.