Nanoparticles analysis and nano particle size analysis is attracting more attention due to more stringent legislation and the potential and unknown danger associated with the design of nanoparticles, the preparation of nanomaterials and the use of nanoparticles in a wide array of industries.
One should distinguish between nanoparticles that are intrisically present in the product and the phenomenon that nanoparticles can become airborne due to handling of the product under certain conditions of stress and strain. The menu on this page concerns mostly nanoparticle analysis techniques for nano particles that are intrinsically present in the product.
The European Commission has identified different techniques and methodolgies to perform the analysis of nanoparticles in a variety of materials and to determine whether a material should be classified as a nanomaterial. Since nanoparticles do not behave in a similar fashion as conventional bulk materials, dedicated techniques, methodologies AND pre-treatment procedures are necessary to qualify and quantify nanoparticles. These pages assist in selecting the right techniques and measurements methodologies for analysis of nanoparticles related to nanomaterial assignment.
For analysis of airborne nanoparticles that can be present in dust, this is typically investigated with the recently-developed small rotating drum methodology in accordance with the EN-17199-4 standard issued in 2019. Even when nanoparticles are present in a certain product, and the material is entitled as a nanomaterial, the question is also how can one be exposed to these nanoparticles? Release of the nanoparticles into the air can cause exposure via inhalation but only if the nanoparticles are indeed brought into the environment and become airborne nanoparticles.
We have a dedicated nanoparticle dustiness page on our website describing the methodologies –to quantify nano particle dustiness – to this end please follow this link on airborne nanoparticles that will open in a new window.
Nanoparticle Size Analysis FAQs
Nanoparticle size can be measured using techniques such as dynamic light scattering, differential centrifugal sedimentation, scanning electron microscopy or transmission electron microscopy. The best method depends on whether the particles are analysed in a liquid or as a dry powder, as well as on the required size range and level of detail.
Nanoparticle size distribution describes the range and relative amount of different particle sizes present in a sample. Measuring the distribution rather than only the average particle size is important because a sample may contain nanoparticles as well as larger particles or agglomerates.
Nanoparticle size analysis helps determine whether a material contains particles within the nanoscale range. It can also provide information relevant to product performance, material quality, safety assessment and regulatory classification under frameworks such as REACH.
Nanoparticles can be intrinsically present in a product, or they can become airborne when a material is handled, stressed or processed. These situations require different analytical approaches. Intrinsic nanoparticles are typically assessed using particle sizing and microscopy techniques, while airborne nanoparticle release can be investigated using specific dustiness and airborne particle measurement methods.
