"I used Filab for a chemical analysis. Very satisfied with the service. Responsive team, deadlines met, and a clear analysis report. I recommend them."
Laboratory analysis and characterization of a powder
+140 employees
here to listen to you
5,200 m² laboratory
+99% of services carried out in-house
Accredited laboratory
COFRAC ISO 17025
Your needs: characterizing the physico-chemical properties of your powders
FILAB laboratory supports industrial companies with powder analysis, whether they are metal powders, pharmaceutical powders, or cosmetic powders.
Using a wide range of analytical techniques, we characterize the physical, chemical, morphological, and rheological properties of powders to ensure their quality, performance, and compliance.
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What physicochemical properties are used to characterize a powder?
The physico-chemical properties of powders affect their quality and performance.
Here are a few examples of parameters that can be analyzed on a powder:
Crystallinity
Specific surface area
Morphology
Chemical composition
Particle size distribution
Density
Moisture content
Flowability
Our laboratory powder analysis and characterization services
For more than 30 years, our FILAB laboratory has had the experience and the specificanalytical equipment to support industrial companies today in powder characterization using various analytical techniques:
Our services
Measurement of powder flow rate
Our Technical Capabilities
Industrial Applications of Powder Analysis
FILAB works with many sectors that use functional powders:
- Pharmaceutical industry: formulation, particle size control, hygroscopicity
- Cosmetics: flowability, texture, powder stability
- Metallurgy / Additive manufacturing: particle size validation, purity, porosity
- Medical devices: ISO 13779-3 compliance for HAP powders
- Fine chemicals: moisture, flow, bulk behavior
How do you analyze a powder in the laboratory?
Powder analysis relies on different techniques depending on the properties to be evaluated:
- Particle size and particle distribution: carried out by laser diffraction or sieving to measure particle size.
- Particle morphology and structure: observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Bulk density and tapped density: assessed to determine the powder’s bulk behavior.
- Flowability and flow: measured using tests such as the Hall or Carney funnel to assess flow.
- Hygroscopicity and residual moisture: analyzed to anticipate interactions with ambient humidity.
- Chemical composition and impurities: identified by spectrometry (ICP-MS, XRF) or chromatography (GC-MS, LC-MS).
Each analysis method is selected according to the application sector (pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetics, etc.) to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry requirements.
Working with an expert laboratory in powder analysis such as FILAB helps you better understand the strategic challenges and changes in your industry. Our specialized engineers support you throughout the powder characterization protocol in the laboratory. They are available to answer your questions and help you interpret the results of powder analysis.
Expertise, evidence and traceabilityUpdated: June 2026
Why entrust the characterization of your powders to FILAB laboratory?
Powder characterization often informs a quality, regulatory or industrial decision. FILAB combines appropriate analytical methods, expert interpretation of results and a documented quality framework to produce data your teams can use.
Recognized accreditations
- COFRAC Testing Accreditation No. 1-1793 and 1-2290
- ISO/IEC 17025
- Specialist in metal, ceramic and polymer powders
- FDA registered
- Methods validated according to powder standards
Industrial experience
- Aerospace, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals
- Additives, polymers, powder metallurgy
Our references:
- SMEs / mid-sized powder companies
- Aerospace industries
- Chimie fine
- Pharmaceuticals
- Powder metallurgy
- Formulators
- Additive suppliers
An expert at your service
Powder Expertise Manager
Clément Boenard supports powder characterization projects.
Industrial experience
- Aerospace, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals
- Additives, polymers, powder metallurgy
Our references:
- SMEs / mid-sized powder companies
- Aerospace industries
- Chimie fine
- Pharmaceuticals
- Powder metallurgy
- Formulators
- Additive suppliers
Recognized accreditations
- COFRAC Testing Accreditation No. 1-1793 and 1-2290
- ISO/IEC 17025
- Specialist in metal, ceramic and polymer powders
- FDA registered
- Methods validated according to powder standards
An expert at your service
Powder Expertise Manager
Thomas Gautier supports powder characterization projects.
Our 4-step approach:
- Scoping your issue, sample and properties to be characterized.
- Sampling and representative conditioning in accordance with best practices.
- Analysis including particle size, morphological, thermal and physicochemical analyses.
- Interpretation of the results in a detailed, actionable and traceable report.
Avis vérifiés
Our clients’ testimonials
"Very responsive laboratory, with excellent analysis quality and deadlines met. Communication is smooth, the technical explanations are clear, and the team knows how to adapt to specific needs. I recommend them for their professionalism and reliability!"
"Clear and precise deliverable, delivered on time. I recommend them."
Transparency & contactLast checked: June 2026
Where to find us and how to contact us
FILAB is an independent, accredited physical laboratory located in France. All the contact details below can be used to verify our identity and submit your request.
FILAB Laboratory
Ecoparc Dijon Bourgogne
80 rue Jean-Louis Auguste Petitjean
21850 Saint-Apollinaire, France
Tél. +33 (0)3 80 52 32 05
FAQ
Where can a powder be analyzed?
The analysis of powders must be carried out in a specialized laboratory equipped with the appropriate equipment and expertise in materials characterization. The FILAB laboratory offers tailor-made services to meet the needs of industrial clients, using validated methods in accordance with current standards (ISO, ASTM, pharmacopoeias, etc.).
These analysis can be performed for quality control, R&D, troubleshooting, or regulatory compliance. It is important to choose a laboratory capable of adapting its protocols to the specific characteristics of the powder being analyzed and to industrial constraints.
What types of powders can be analyzed in the laboratory?
At FILAB laboratory, we analyze a wide range of powders: metal powders, ceramic powders, pharmaceutical powders, pigments, food additives, and mineral powders.
Why analyze the particle size distribution of an industrial powder?
Particle size distribution directly affects the flow, compaction, and reactivity properties of a powder. A precise particle size analysis helps optimize manufacturing processes, improve final product quality, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
How does bulk density affect the behavior of a powder?
Bulk density reflects the ratio between the volume occupied and the mass of a powder. It influences the stability of blends, particle dispersion, and the filling of molds or capsules in the pharmaceutical industry.
Why carry out a specific surface area analysis of powders?
The specific surface area of a powder plays a key role in its chemical reactivity, adsorption, and dispersion. This analysis is particularly important for catalysts, cosmetic additives, and energetic materials.
How can the purity of a powder used in industry be ensured?
Chemical analysis and impurity detection (oxides, metallic contaminants, organic residues) help ensure powder quality, particularly for the aerospace, biomedical, and food industries.
What tests are used to assess particle morphology?
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction are commonly used to analyze particle shape and distribution. These analysis are useful for powders intended for coatings or the chemical industry.
What regulations apply to powders in industry?
Requirements vary depending on the application: ASTM standards for metal powders, pharmacopoeia for pharmaceutical powders, REACH for chemical safety, or ISO 13320 for particle size distribution. Strict control helps ensure product compliance.
What is a powder test?
The powder test brings together a set of tests used to characterize physical, chemical, and morphological properties. These analysis are essential in many industrial sectors such as metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and food processing.
They make it possible to assess key parameters such as particle size distribution, particle morphology, bulk density, flowability, residual moisture, and chemical composition.
The goal is to optimize powder performance according to its intended use, whether for an additive manufacturing process, a coating, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a composite material.
The filab advantages
A highly qualified team
Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests
A COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
(Staves available on www.cofrac.com - Accreditation number: 1-1793)
A complete analytical facility of 5,200m²
Tailor-made support
Video debriefing available with the expert
Ask for your quote
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