Nanotechnology research aims to design and manufacture small particles, and then add these particles to a liquid or solid carrier matrix. Alfa Chemistry is good at analyzing and researching the microstructure and chemical composition of nano-scale and nano-materials. Our nanotechnology laboratory can measure nanoparticle size, morphology, dispersion, uniformity, optical and physical properties, and chemical composition. If you are interested, please contact us for more service information.
Nano-Scale Materials R&D
Alfa Chemistry’s nanomaterial analysis and research can help you understand the properties of inorganic fillers used for plastic toughening, the incorporation of conductive particles such as carbon nanotubes to produce antistatic or conductive composites, and the use of nanoclays to improve barrier properties of films or coatings , among many other applications.
Nanoparticle Analysis | 1. Analyze particle size and morphology using electron microscopy 2. Apply image analysis to generate quantitative information about size and shape distribution 3. Use Raman spectroscopy for carbon nanotube analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis 4. Coating analysis using spectroscopy or surface analysis 5. Scratch test |
Nano Dispersion Analysis | 1. Optimal performance depends on achieving uniform dispersion and sometimes on orientation control 2. Use techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy to characterize the morphology of composite materials and quantify various aspects of uniformity or orientation 3. Development of online measurement as part of the manufacturing process |
Nano Material Processing | 1. Research on polymer matrix, filler content, physical properties and processing conditions 2. Mechanical properties (toughness, scratch resistance or impact strength) 3. Optical performance (transparency, reflectivity, refractive index) |
Evaluating the Hazards with Nanomaterials
Our expertise in particle and fiber toxicology can provide you with the hazard information needed to safely develop materials and nanotechnology products to meet regulatory requirements. We can provide tailored toxicity tests for product management and regulatory compliance.
Our comprehensive approaches include:
- Sample preparation and characterization
- Biological durability assessment
- Customized research and design of particles and fibers
- Carry out safer design screening for the evaluation of candidate products
- Optical, confocal and electron microscopy analysis of cells and tissues
- Gain expertise in ecotoxicology to support environmental risk assessment
- Supplemental analysis for evaluating cell viability, oxidative stress and inflammation
- Conduct baseline in vitro toxicology studies on inhalation, skin and ingestion exposures
Testing Methods
Our testing methods include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ultraviolet/visible/infrared spectroscopy (UV/Vis/IR)
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- Image Analysis
- Optical Microscopy Analysis
- X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
- X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD)
- Cryo-EM Imaging
- Vertical Scanning, Phase Shifting Interferometry
- Differential Centrifugal Sedimentation (DCS)
- Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET)
Nanotechnology Standards
- ASTM E2578 - 07(2018) Standard Practice for Calculation of Mean Sizes/Diameters and Standard Deviations of Particle Size Distributions
- ASTM E2834 - 12(2018) Standard Guide for Measurement of Particle Size Distribution of Nanomaterials in Suspension by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)
- ASTM E2859 - 11(2017) Standard Guide for Size Measurement of Nanoparticles Using Atomic Force Microscopy
- ASTM E2864 - 18 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Surface Area Concentration in Inhalation Exposure Chambers using Krypton Gas Adsorption
- ASTM E3247 - 20 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Size of Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media Using Dynamic Light Scattering
- E2524 - 08(2013) Standard Test Method for Analysis of Hemolytic Properties of Nanoparticles
