Material Testing Insights
Read articles by our experts and guest authors on the practical implications of regulations, scientific advancements, and the ideal uses of different analysis methods.
Top articles
Plastic food contact material regulations and testing in the EU
EU regulations require plastic food contact materials to be tested for harmful substances that may migrate from the material to food.
Particle size distribution analysis – guide to method selection
Particle size distribution is a key characteristic of powdered materials. This guide helps you choose the most appropriate analytical method for your sample.
PFAS regulations in the EU: overview of restrictions by product category
The use of PFAS – also known as "forever chemicals" – has been regulated in the EU for more than a decade, with limits getting stricter in recent years.
May 29, 2023
Recycled plastic, paper, and board in food contact materials – overview of regulations
It is possible to use recycled materials in food contact applications, but an enhanced compliance assessment is required to ensure their chemical safety.
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May 10, 2023
Thin film depth profiling: guide to method selection
Choosing the most appropriate thin film depth profiling technique is key to obtaining all the required information at optimal sensitivity.
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April 13, 2023
Overview of EU policy on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics
According to the EU, biobased and biodegradable plastics can provide a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials, but only when used appropriately.
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March 3, 2023
PFAS regulations in the EU: overview of restrictions by product category
The use of PFAS – also known as "forever chemicals" – has been regulated in the EU for more than a decade, with limits getting stricter in recent years.
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February 23, 2023
How to fulfill Amazon's testing requirements for dietary supplements?
For supplements to be listed on Amazon, they must not contain forbidden drug residuals. Lab testing is needed to demonstrate compliance with this policy.
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February 1, 2023
Characterization of thin films – what do we want to know?
Doctoral researcher Heta Nieminen writes about the significance of thin films in our modern society and provides an overview of key characterization methods.
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January 27, 2023
PAH analysis – overview of EU regulations and testing requirements
Several EU regulations place restrictions on the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (better known as PAH compounds) in food and consumer products.
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January 25, 2023
Old, Modern, Advanced, and What Not – X-ray Scattering
Ville Liljeström, a staff scientist at Aalto University, writes about the history of X-ray scattering and recent developments in the method.
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January 18, 2023
Comparison of microplastic concentrations in different types of water samples
We sent five water samples to the laboratory to compare microplastic concentrations. The results show that bottled water contains more plastic than tap water.
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January 16, 2023
The revised EU Drinking Water Directive brings about stricter legislation on materials in contact with water
Read on to discover what the new requirements are and how to ensure compliance with them.
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December 28, 2022
MOSH and MOAH testing of food and food contact materials – how to ensure safety and compliance?
The amount of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food and their migration from food contact materials should not exceed the limits specified by the EU.
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December 20, 2022
Testing for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials
NIAS screening can seem complicated, as thousands of different substances may unintentionally end up in FCMs. Check out our expert tips on the topic.
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December 12, 2022
Guide to gas testing: samples, methods, and standards
Gas testing can be tricky, as gaseous samples pose challenges for sampling and shipping. A careful testing plan is key to overcoming such challenges.
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November 29, 2022
Particle size distribution analysis – guide to method selection
Particle size distribution is a key characteristic of powdered materials. This guide helps you choose the most appropriate analytical method for your sample.
Keep reading >
November 28, 2022
Superficial science – using ALD and MLD to enhance the properties of solid surfaces
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) have applications in the fields of microelectronics and medical technology, among others.
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November 23, 2022
The advantages of Organ-on-Chip technology in drug development
Joel Noutere from AKITA discusses the advantages of Organ-on-Chip technology as compared with more traditional approaches to drug development.
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November 16, 2022
Rediscovering the hidden potential of lignin
More efficient utilization of lignin improves the sustainability of the biorefinery industry and speeds up the transition from fossil-based materials.
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November 11, 2022
Mechanical testing of plastic materials – standards and methods
Mechanical tests help ensure the safety, quality, and durability of plastic materials. Testing is usually performed according to industry-specific standards.
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November 9, 2022
Resolving DNA origami folding in real time
Veikko Linko, Associate Professor of Biomedicine Technologies, discusses a new analytical technique for resolving the black box problem in DNA origami.
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November 3, 2022
Textile testing requirements and practices in the EU
Regulatory requirements for textiles in the EU cover chemical safety and labeling. Performance should also be assessed to ensure quality and sustainability.
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