Dustiness of bulk materials according to EN 15051-2

Determination of microplastics in wastewater using µFTIR or µRaman spectroscopy. Generally µFTIR is the preferred method for these matrices. The results of the analysis will specify different types of polymers by size, for example, 10 –50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–500 µm, and >500 µm. This analysis is suitable for typical wastewater samples. Please note that natural waters are handled as wastewater due to the possible presence of solid particles in the samples. The analysis can be adapted to special water matrices (process water, industrial water, etc.), but this may incur extra costs.

The measurement determines ten common plastic types (PE, PP, PS, ABS, PVC, PET, PC, PMMA, PA6, PA66) with pyrolysis-GC/MS. In the method, microplastics are separated from the sample and reported in µg/l of individual polymer types and as a sum of all particles. An additional analysis of rubber particles (BR, NR, SBR) can be performed at an extra cost. This product is suitable for typical turbid water samples and wastewater samples only. We also offer microplastics analysis of clean water and sediment, soil, or sludge.

Determination of microplastic content in clean water samples with vibrational spectroscopy methods. The analytical report will list different types of polymers detected and their distribution by size. There are two options for how the analysis can be conducted: Accredited analysis with µFTIR spectroscopy according to ISO/DIS 16094-2 (capable of detecting particles from 10 µm to 5,000 µm), Accredited in-house Raman microscopy method (capable of detecting particles from 1 μm to 5,000 µm). Please let us know the preferred approach when requesting an offer. The displayed price applies to clean drinking water or even purer grades of water only, as it does not include digestion pre-treatment. Please note that natural waters are handled as wastewater due to the possible presence of solid particles. Our experts are happy to provide a quote for the analysis of other matrices.

Determination of inhalable and respirable dust fractions present in indoor air. The aerodynamic diameters of the inhalable and respirable dust particles are < 100 µm and < 4 µm, respectively. The price includes a sample collector and a sample pump, which are delivered to the customer for sampling. Results are reported as mg/m³. According to the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health's decree on Hazardous Concentrations (538/2018), the normative threshold value for inhalable dust is 10 mg/m3 on an eight-hour average concentration.

Imaging of the sample using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Typically, several images are taken with varying magnifications to get a good overview of the sample. Non-conductive samples can be prepared with a metallic coating to allow imaging. For cross-section measurement, additional preparation might be needed: FIB, BIB or freeze fracturing. If compositional analysis is also needed, please see the SEM-EDX measurement.

Measurement to determine ten common plastic types (PE, PP, PS, ABS, PVC, PET, PC, PMMA, PA6, PA66) with pyrolysis-GC/MS. In the method, microplastics are separated from the sample and reported in µg/l of individual polymer types and as a sum of all particles. Rubber particles (BR, NR, SBR) can be added to the analysis at an extra cost. This product is suitable only for clean water samples. If you need testing for other sample types, see microplastics in typical wastewater samples and soil, sediment, or sludge.

Imaging of the sample using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX or EDS). Typically, several images are taken with varying magnifications to get a good overview of the sample. An EDX mapping, line scan, or point measurement is collected to measure the sample composition (elemental at.% or wt.%). Non-conductive samples can be prepared with a metallic coating. For cross-section measurement, additional preparation might be needed: FIB, BIB, or freeze fracturing.

X-Ray Reflectometry (XRR) analysis is used to measure the density (g/cm3), thickness (nm), and roughness (nm) of thin films. The method is applicable to the characterization of single- or multilayered thin films, as it provides information on the thickness and density of individual layers of the sample material as well as the roughness of the interphases. Greatest accuracy for XRR thickness measurements is generally achieved for samples containing 1-150 nm thick surface layers with under 5 nm RMS roughness. Thicker films and coatings with rougher surfaces can also be characterized, but the accuracy of thickness determination decreases as the thickness and roughness of the film or film stack increase. >150 mm wafers are typically cut to fit the sample holder. Please let us know if you need testing for larger wafers that cannot be cut into pieces. The available temperature range for XRR measurements is 25-1100 °C, and crystallinity can be studied as a function of temperature. The measurements can be performed under a normal atmosphere, inert gas, or vacuum. Measurements are typically performed using one of the following instruments: Rigaku SmartLab, Panalytical X'Pert Pro MRD, Bruker D8 Discover. Please let us know if you have a preference for a specific instrument.

Analysis of the specific surface area of porous, solid materials according to the BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) theory. Analysis can be performed with N2 or Kr gases, depending on the expected surface area of the material. BET curve and the specific surface area (in m2/g) are reported. The required sample amount depends on the expected surface area. As a rule of thumb, at least 5 m2 of surface area should be available for measurement. The following gas adsorption devices are used for this measurement: Micromeritics Gemini VII 2390, Micromeritics ASAP 2020, Micromeritics TriStar II 3020, Anton Paar Nova 800.

This test is designed to measure the oxygen transmission rate of finished packages, including cups, bottles, trays, and containers. Two replica measurements are included in the displayed price. Temperature can be adjusted from 15 to 55 °C, and relative humidity can be either 0% or between 5 and 90% RH. This test is not suitable for films. Please see the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of films and sheeting if you need testing for film samples. Please specify the sample dimensions and testing conditions upon ordering.