Inhalable and respirable dust in indoor air by EN 481 & ISO 7708

Qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk materials by scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The analysis is performed in accordance with the ISO 22262-1 standard. The method is commonly used to determine whether toy materials, such as play sand, kinetic sand, or polymer- and mineral-based fillers contain asbestos. Construction products such as cement, asphalt, and thermal insulation materials are another common sample matrix. During the analysis, the sample is ashed, ground, and analyzed with SEM-EDX to identify fibrous asbestos structures. The analysis covers the following asbestos types: Actinolite, Amosite (brown asbestos) , Anthophyllite, Chrysotile (white asbestos) , Crocidolite (blue asbestos) , Tremolite. Express turnaround (4 business days) can be arranged upon request for an additional fee. Please ask us for more information.

EN 15051-2 standard specifies the measurement of dustiness of powders and bulk materials according to the rotating drum method. It is a widely accepted procedure designed to simulate the handling processes that can generate airborne dust. The material dust, generated by the rotation of the drum, is separated into three different fractions. Inhalable, thoracic, and respirable dustiness mass fractions (in mg/kg and in %, if required) are reported. The inhalable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 100 µm., The thoracic fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 µm., The respirable fraction of dustiness is the fraction of particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 4.25 µm.. Along with the fractions of the airborne particles, the dustiness potential (very low, low, moderate, or high), the density, and the moisture content of the sample are also reported. See this example report for more details.

The particle size distribution (PSD) and shapes of the particles are determined using image analysis. The method is suitable for particles sized 10 to 3,000 µm. Image analysis characterizes particle shapes, such as fibers, rods, and crystals, that cannot be analyzed meaningfully with traditional devices, such as laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering. Depending on the particle shapes, results typically include size distribution for length, width, and equivalent circular area (ECA) diameter.

The following analyses are included in this nanoparticle analysis package, intended to characterize nanoforms according to the REACH Regulation. Particle size distribution and aspect ratios by SEM-EDX Preparation with isopropanol, Sample dispersion on a slide, with centrifugation, SEM analysis and particle count by image analysis, Nanoparticle detection and classification according to the 2022 EC recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial, Reporting of PSD parameters for ~300 particles, including the following: PSD diagram, accumulated and individual., Feret min (min, d10, d25, d50, d75, d90, d95, max), Feret max (min, d10, d25, d50, d75, d90, d95, max), Equivalent circular diameter (min, d10, d25, d50, d75, d90, d95, max), Aspect ratio (calculated based on individual Feret min and Feret max measurements), Number based nano-fraction (%).. Crystal phase analysis by XRD/Rietveld method Sample preparation: drying, grinding, X-ray preparation, XRD analysis over an angular range extending from 10° to 90°, Identification of the crystalline phases present in the sample, Semi-quantitative analysis of phase distribution, using the Rietveld method, Interpretation of diffractograms. Chemical composition/purity by ICP-AES and CHNS analysis ICP-AES quantification of inorganic and metallic elements: Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se, Sb, Si, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Ti, and Tl, Determination of C, H, N, and S with an elemental analyzer. Volume-specific surface area (VSSA) and VSSA diameter calculations (optional) BET specific surface area measurement of powder by nitrogen adsorption, True (skeletal) density measurement by He pycnometry, excluding intergranular and intragranular porosity, Both analyses include sample preparation. You can request a quote for the analysis using the form below. Please note that the OECD 125 guideline does not apply to this analysis.

Particle size distribution (PSD) is determined from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The method is most suitable for small particles of 50 nm or smaller. Depending on particle shapes, the method includes calculating the diameters or lengths and widths of particles. In addition to size, TEM provides qualitative information about the surface morphology of the particles. TEM is a good option for irregularly shaped and non-spherical particles such as fibers, rods, and crystals that cannot be characterized meaningfully with traditional methods, including laser diffraction (LD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). As a result of the analysis, TEM images and the determined particle size distribution for diameter (or length and width) are delivered. Dry samples are suitable for TEM as is. If the particles are wet or dispersed in a solvent, the sample may be dried with a suitable sample preparation method before imaging.

Imaging of liposome powders or dispersions with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis can be used to prove that liposome particles used in cosmetic, food, and supplement applications have the characteristic spherical bilayer structure. Sample preparation can be performed using either one of the following techniques:  Negative staining using a custom protocol specifically designed to minimize damage to fragile liposome particles. This is preferred if the concentration of particles is low or unknown. , Cryo preparation (plunge freezing), which is even less likely to damage the particles, but requires them to be present in higher concentrations.. The results of the analysis will include TEM images taken at several different magnifications. If feasible, the results will also include a statement on particle structure that distinguishes between a liposome and a lipid nanoparticle, along with an estimated particle concentration based on the average number of particles in the imaged area.

Cryo-SEM imaging with EDX elemental mapping for fragile samples that require cryogenic preparation to withstand the SEM vacuum and electron beam. The analysis includes the following steps: Cryo-fixing of the sample., Imaging of the sample surface with a scanning electron microscope., EDX map for elemental composition.. The results will include 10–20 SEM images with annotations showing the observed features. 1–2 EDX elemental maps will also be provided, depending on the magnification.

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. Cryo preparation is available for biological materials and other sensitive sample types. If compositional analysis is also needed, please see the SEM-EDX measurement. We also offer high-temperature SEM analyses at temperatures up to 1400 °C. Do not hesitate to ask for a quote.

Environmental SEM is used to image samples in their natural, wet or non-conductive states at different relative humidity levels up to a level of 90%. The method can also be used to observe real-time, in situ dynamic processes. A cooling stage is typically used to regulate vapor pressure and maintain sample hydration during imaging. The sample is cooled, and the chamber pressure is adjusted in increments, with several images collected at different pressure levels. A tiltable cooling stage can be used to collect images at different angles to the surface. The maximum sample size depends on the substrate used: Glass substrates with a diameter of 2 cm or less. , Conductive substrates with a diameter of 6 mm or less.. The imaging process can be customized based on your specific sample type and research goals. Contact us for more information and to request a quote.

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.