---
type: "WebPage"
title: "SPM Testing: analysis of Synthetic Polymer Microparticles in laboratory"
description: "Your needs: realise testing in synthetic polymer microparticles using cutting-edge techniques What is synthetic polymer microparticles A synthetic polymer microparticle is a small solid particle composed of plastic (an artificially manufactured polymer), generally between 1 µm and 5 mm in..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/synthetic-polymer-microparticles-testing/"
tags: ["EN"]
timestamp: "2025-12-31T08:32:23Z"
published: "2025-09-24T13:29:27Z"
language: "en"
author: "Laure Durieux"
---

# SPM Testing: analysis of Synthetic Polymer Microparticles in laboratory

## Your needs: realise testing in synthetic polymer microparticles using cutting-edge techniques

### What is synthetic polymer microparticles

A synthetic polymer microparticle is a small solid particle composed of plastic (an artificially manufactured polymer), generally between 1 µm and 5 mm in size.

In practice, these are tiny fragments of plastic, invisible to the naked eye for the smallest ones, which can be generated:

- intentionally: to be incorporated into certain products (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics, industrial additives, catalytic supports, etc.).
- by degradation: resulting from wear, fragmentation, or aging of plastic materials (packaging, technical parts, synthetic textiles, coatings, etc.).

## The Filab laboratory supports manufacturers in testing synthetic polymer microparticles

### Our synthetic polymer microparticle analysis services

[Determination of the nature of](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/) the synthetic polymer microparticle

[Dosing of additives](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-additives.md) in synthetic polymer microparticle

[Compliance checks under REACH](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-reach-analysis.md)

[Development of analysis methods](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/life-cycle-of-an-analytical-method-in-the-laboratory/analytical-development/)

Synthetic polymer microparticle [deformulation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-deformulation-analysis-reverse-engineering.md)

[Failure study](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures.md) on a natural polymer

[Thermal and thermogravimetric analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-characterization/laboratory-analysis-thermal-thermogravimetric/)

Determination of the size and distribution of synthetic polymer microparticle

### Our technical resources for the analysis of synthetic polymer microparticle

### Chemical analysis of the organic fraction

FTIR GCMS, LC-MSMS, LC-QTOF, GPC, NMR

### Chemical analysis of mineral fractions

ICP, DRX, CI, SEM-EDX

### Thermal analysis

ATG, DSC, Pyrolysis-GCMS, ATG/FTIR

### Surface analysis

SEM-FEG EDX, XPS, TOF-SIMS

Synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) are now at the heart of many industrial challenges: regulatory compliance, product performance, user safety, and environmental impact.

 

### Why analyze synthetic polymer microparticles?

  ![polymères](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ecovadis-47.png)
The appearance of synthetic polymer microparticles in a process or product can have significant consequences, both for regulatory compliance and final quality. These particles, often invisible to the naked eye, must be rigorously detected, identified, and controlled to ensure the safety, durability, and performance of materials.

This is why polymer microparticle analysis is now a key issue for many manufacturers:

- **Regulatory compliance**: meet REACH standards, environmental directives, and customer specifications.
- **Product quality**: detect and eliminate contaminants that could impact your product performance.
- **Durability & R&D**: understand the phenomena of aging, wear, and particle release.
- **Safety**: guarantee the absence of unwanted microparticles in medical devices, packaging, cosmetics, and aeronautical components.

Whether they originate from a manufacturing process, a material in use, or degradation phenomena, their detection and analysis require cutting-edge techniques and specialized expertise.

## FAQ

 What is a synthetic polymer microparticle?
It is a fragment of plastic material, generally between 1 µm and 5 mm in size, derived from artificial polymers (PE, PP, PS, PET, etc.). These particles can be generated intentionally (microbeads, additives, etc.) or result from the wear and aging of plastic materials.

 What types of samples can be analyzed?
Microparticles can be detected in:

- **Finished products** (medical devices, packaging, plastic components).
- **Raw materials and synthetic polymers**.
- **Water, solutions, powders, or process residues**.
- **Surfaces and deposits** (technical parts, films, coatings).

 In which industrial sectors is this analysis relevant?
SPM tests are particularly suitable for the following sectors:

- Aeronautics, space, and automotive.
- Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
- Energy, nuclear power, and electronics.
- Packaging and consumer goods.

 What is the difference between microparticles and nanoparticles?
Microparticles: from 1 µm to 5 mm.

Nanoparticles: < 1 µm.
Their analysis requires different approaches, with specific techniques adapted to the particle size.