OECD 318 Testing : Stability analysis of nanomaterials
You would like to perform the stability analysis of nanomaterials according to OECD 318
Stability of nanomaterials: OECD 318 test and REACH compliance
Secure the registration of your nanometric substances with the expertise of FILAB, the leading French laboratory accredited to COFRAC ISO 17025 for the characterization of nanomaterials.
Under the REACH regulation, characterizing the environmental fate of nanomaterials has become an essential requirement. The OECD 318 test is the reference protocol for evaluating the dispersion stability of your substances in simulated aqueous environments.
Why is the OECD 318 test important for your REACH registration?
Since the implementation of new information requirements for nanomaterials under REACH, manufacturers have been required to provide precise data on the behavior of their substances in the environment.
The OECD 318 guideline has two objectives:
- To assess a nanomaterial's ability to form and maintain a colloidal dispersion over time.
- To predict its transport and sedimentation behavior (homoagglomeration) based on the hydrochemistry of the environment (pH, ionic strength, presence of organic matter).
The FILAB laboratory assists you in the stability analysis of nanomaterials according to OECD 318
Our analytical expertise according to OECD 318
The key steps in our service
Use of standardized sonication procedures to ensure reproducibility.
Tests in simulated environments
Precise determination of the concentration of nanomaterials remaining in suspension after a defined sedimentation period.
Assessment of the impact of natural organic matter (NOM) on the stability of your particles.
Our other nano services according to the OECD
Why use FILAB?
Mutual Recognition of Data (MAD): In accordance with OECD principles, the data generated by our laboratory is recognized by all OECD member countries. This avoids duplication of testing and facilitates your global exports.
COFRAC ISO 17025 accreditation: a guarantee of scientific rigor, essential for the validity of your dossiers with ECHA.
Nanomaterials expertise: our experts advise you on the most relevant testing strategy for your substance.
Our other nanomaterials expertise services
The FILAB laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited by COFRAC for the characterization of nanomaterials!
our services
Development and validation of nanomaterial-specific analytical methods
Training for your teams (techniques and regulatory issues related to nanomaterials)
Regulatory consulting on nanomaterials (2011 EC Recommendation, EC Cosmetics Regulation n°1223/2009, INCO Regulation n°1169/2011, R-Nano (2012-232, 02/2012)...)
OUR TECHNICAL RESOURCES
SEM-FEG-EDX : counting and determining the size and shape of nanoparticles
Helium pycnometry : density measurement
XRD : structural analysis
DLS : measurement of nano-emulsions and study of suspension stability by Zeta Potential titration.
SP-ICP-MS: detection of nanoparticles
BET : specific surface measurement
Laser granulometry : particle size distribution
ICP-AES and ICP-MS : trace analysis and chemical composition of a nanomaterial-based product
Our FAQ
The OECD defines tests to be carried out on chemicals to determine their potential hazards in their context of use.
Test 318 in Section 3 describes a test method for obtaining data on the dispersion stability of manufactured nanomaterials in a simulated environmental environment.
The test described by OECD 318 aims to evaluate a nanomaterial's ability to form and maintain a colloidal dispersion. The analytical method described here is calibrated sonication dispersion followed by particle determination in environments with varying hydrochemical characteristics.
The REACH regulation now requires the characterization of the environmental fate of substances in nanoscale form. The OECD 318 test is the reference method for demonstrating whether your nanomaterial remains suspended (high mobility in water) or agglomerates and settles (accumulation in soils/sediments). Without this data, your environmental risk assessment may be deemed non-compliant by the ECHA.
This is a common misconception:
- OECD 318 measures the physical ability of particles to remain dispersed without clumping together (colloidal stability).
- Dissolution (often assessed using OECD 105 or Guideline 14) measures the ability of particles to break down into soluble ions. For a complete REACH dossier, both parameters are often required because they determine the persistence of the nano form in nature.
Turnaround times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.
To obtain a quote, you can contact our team via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
Simply tell us your requirements (type of material, desired analysis, applicable standards, urgency, quantity of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
