Nanomaterial stability analysis according to OECD 318
Would you like to carry out nanomaterial stability analysis according to OECD 318/OECD 318
Nanomaterial stability: OECD 318 test and REACH compliance
Secure the registration of your nanomaterials with the expertise of FILAB, the first French laboratory accredited by COFRAC ISO 17025 for nanomaterial characterization.
Under the REACH regulation, characterizing the environmental fate of nanomaterials has become an essential requirement. The OECD 318 test is the reference protocol for assessing the dispersion stability of your substances in simulated aqueous media.
Why is the OECD 318 test important for your REACH registration?
Since the entry into force of the new information requirements for nanomaterials under REACH, manufacturers must provide accurate data on the behavior of their substances in the environment.
The objective of the OECD 318 guideline is twofold:
- Assess a nanomaterial's ability to form a colloidal dispersion and maintain it over time.
- Anticipate its transport and sedimentation behavior (homoaggregation) according to the hydrochemistry of the medium (pH, ionic strength, presence of organic matter).
The FILAB laboratory supports you in nanomaterial stability analysis according to OECD 318 - OECD 318
Our analytical expertise according to OECD 318
The key steps of our service
Use of standardized sonication procedures to ensure reproducibility.
Stability analysis under different pH conditions and electrolyte concentrations.
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.
Why choose FILAB?
Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD): in accordance with OECD principles, the data generated by our laboratory are recognized by all OECD member countries. This avoids duplicate testing and facilitates your global exports.
COFRAC ISO 17025 accreditation: a guarantee of scientific rigor essential to the validity of your files with the ECHA.
Nanomaterials expertise: our experts advise you on the most relevant testing strategy for your substance.
Research Tax Credit (CIR): FILAB is an approved laboratory, allowing you to optimize your R&D and compliance budgets.
Our other nanomaterials expertise services
FILAB laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited by COFRAC for nanomaterials characterization!
our services
Development and validation of analytical methods specific to nanomaterials
Training for your teams (technical and regulatory aspects related to nanomaterials)
Regulatory consulting for nanomaterials (2011 EC Recommendation, EC Cosmetic Regulation No. 1223/2009, INCO Regulation No. 1169/2011, R-Nano (2012-232, 02/2012), 2022 EC Recommendation...)
OUR TECHNICAL RESOURCES
FEG-SEM-EDX: counting and determining the size and shape of nanoparticles
Helium pycnometry: density measurement
XRD: structural analysis
DLS: nano-emulsion measurement and stability study of a suspension by zeta potential titration.
SP-ICP-MS: nanoparticle detection
BET: specific surface area measurement
Laser particle size analysis: particle size distribution
ICP-AES and ICP-MS: trace and chemical composition analysis on a nanomaterials-based product
Our FAQ
The OECD defines tests to be carried out on chemicals in order to determine their potential hazards in their intended use context.
Test 318 in Section 3 describes a test method for obtaining stability data on the dispersion of manufactured nanomaterials in a simulated environmental medium.
The test described by OECD 318 is intended to assess a nanomaterial’s ability to form a colloidal dispersion and maintain it. The analysis method described here involves calibrated sonication dispersion followed by particle determination in environments with different hydrochemical characteristics.
The REACH regulation now requires the environmental fate of substances in nano form to be characterized. OECD 318 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 ECHA.
This is a common misunderstanding:
OECD 318 measures the physical ability of particles to remain dispersed without agglomerating (colloidal stability).
Dissolution (often assessed via OECD 105 or Guideline 14) measures the ability of particles to "transform" into soluble ions. For a complete REACH dossier, these two 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 project.
However, FILAB is committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your constraints and industrial urgencies.
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
All you need to do is send us your requirements (material type, analysis requested, any standard to be followed, urgency, sample quantity, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
