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
SEM vs TEM: How to choose the most suitable electron microscopy technique for your application
Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are both powerful techniques for high-resolution imaging, but they have some key differences.
PFAS regulations in the EU: overview of restrictions and compliance testing options
The use of toxic PFAS compounds has been regulated in the EU for over a decade, with restrictions getting stricter each year.
EN 13501-1 standard for fire classification of construction materials: Overview of performance classes & criteria
In most cases, several reaction-to-fire tests are required to determine the correct fire performance class for construction products according to EN 13501-1.
December 5, 2023
Overview of global & European POP testing regulations and compliance testing
The Stockholm Convention and the EU POPs Regulation aim to phase out Persistent Organic Pollutants to protect human health and the environment.
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November 27, 2023
Overview of the EU Toy Safety Directive: What are the requirements?
Manufacturers and importers must ensure the chemical, mechanical, and fire safety of toys in accordance with the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.
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November 16, 2023
Powder characterization: techniques and applications
Key powder properties to be determined include particle size and shape, surface morphology, density, porosity, and flow properties.
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November 9, 2023
Nitrosamine testing requirements and recommendations by product category
Although not added to materials on purpose, carcinogenic nitrosamines may be present as impurities. Their amount must not exceed product-specific legal limits.
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November 1, 2023
Microplastic regulations in the EU – how to ensure compliance?
After their recent addition to the REACH Regulation, primary microplastics must not be present in restricted products in concentrations above 0.01% by weight.
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October 18, 2023
Summary of EFSA guidelines for assessing the safety of nanomaterials in food – which tests are needed?
In addition to engineered nanomaterials, conventional food products may need testing to prove they do not contain nanoparticles or have nanoscale properties.
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October 4, 2023
Phthalates testing according to EU regulations
The EU imposes strict limits on maximum phthalate content in various product groups, including food contact materials, toys, and cosmetics.
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September 19, 2023
Guide to VOC testing: regulations, methods, and standards
Volatile organic compound (VOC) screening is vital to quality assurance in several industries, such as construction materials, fuel, and food contact materials.
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September 8, 2023
Bisphenol A – overview of testing requirements in the EU
New Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 bans bisphenol A in food contact materials marketed in the EU. Restrictions also apply to toys, cosmetics, and consumer products.
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September 1, 2023
Measurlabs raises €2.5M to help sustainability companies bring their products to market faster
We raised 2.5 million euros in a new seed round. The round was led by VentureFriends and joined by existing investors Lifeline Ventures, Tesi, and Curus.
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August 21, 2023
European medical device regulation: how to ensure compliance with EU MDR 2017/745?
A range of laboratory analyses, including biocompatibility and microbiological quality testing, is required to fulfill the requirements of the EU MDR.
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August 15, 2023
Elemental analysis – methods and applications
The choice of the most appropriate elemental analysis technique is based on factors including sensitivity, sample characteristics, and elements of interest.
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August 10, 2023
Overview of testing requirements for cosmetic products in the EU
Test results on chemical composition, physical properties, and microbiological quality are required to demonstrate that cosmetics are safe and effective.
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June 5, 2023
EU regulations on food contaminants – how to ensure compliance?
Laboratory testing is needed to ensure that food contaminant levels stay below the limits set in Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
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May 29, 2023
Recycled plastic, paper, and board in food contact materials – overview of regulations
Recycled materials can be used in food contact applications, but they require an enhanced compliance assessment to ensure 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 and compliance testing options
The use of toxic PFAS compounds has been regulated in the EU for over a decade, with restrictions getting stricter each year.
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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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