Substance characterisation

Substance characterisation and identification is an important pre-requisite to most regulatory processes, including REACH and CLP, and allows a robust and fit-for-purpose hazard and risk assessment to be undertaken.

We can help you to confirm the chemical identity and composition of your substances, supported by clear analytical evidence, including:

• reviewing and interpreting existing characterisation data;
• designing an appropriate and cost-effective test strategy;
• laboratory analysis to support the risk assessment of chemicals, including nanomaterials. 

Our range of specialist analytical services include:

• Chemical analysis* of organics, inorganics and metals by GC-MS, HPLC, IC, ICP-AES, SEM/EDXS, FTIR, XRD;
• Morphology and elemental sample analysis (SEM/EDXS);
• Particle Size Distribution (PSD) by laser diffraction:
  • Dry powder (100 nm – 3500 µm) to ISO 13320:2009;
  • Wet dispersion (5 nm – 3500 µm) to ISO 13320:2009 and ISO 14487:2000;
• Calculated Size Weighted Respirable Fraction (SWeRF) analysis, including crystalline silica specific SWeRF in mixtures for CLP;
• Dustiness evaluation to EN 15051-2;
• Dynamic light scatting (DLS) for particle size, zeta-potential and molecular weight analysis;
• Elemental Carbon determination (NIOSH 5040) for carbon-based nanomaterials;
• Moisture determination to EN 15051-1;
• Bulk density determination to EN 15051-1;
• Particle density by helium pycnometry;
• Bio-durability assessment;
• Other specialist characterisation (e.g. TEM, BET, XPS, SIMS, Raman);

* IOM is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No 0374

We also undertake bespoke method development for providing characterisation data to support safety data sheets (SDSs), product validation, and regulatory compliance in the absence of established methods.