Nanomaterials

We support our clients' nanotechnology innovation with nanomaterial chemical testing, risk assessment and safety consulting.

Nanomaterials and novel engineered nanotechnology offer great potential to improving the quality of life when used in applications across a variety of industries and consumer products.

To realise the full potential of your nanomaterial products, it is vital to understand the unique properties of these materials and to address potential safety or risk concerns for human health and the environment.

Our extensive nanomaterials and nanotechnology capabilities include pre-clinical study design, regulatory affairs and liaison, toxicology, epidemiology and risk assessment. We can help you to address key issues such as whether the properties that render nanomaterials unique (e.g., size, relative surface area, chemistry and functionality) are associated with unanticipated biological consequences and toxicity. With our expertise, we help you to understand your product and assess any potential health or environmental effects.

At Intertek, our scientists also provide the chemical and physical testing you need to meet evolving national or international regulatory requirements. Our team characterise your products through nano-scale analysis covering the critical attributes of particle size, morphology, dispersion, uniformity, and optical and physical properties.

With Intertek as your partner we can provide the chemical, physical, toxicology, risk assessment data and regulatory support you need to progress your innovation, manufacturing or regulatory submission. Our expertise spans sectors as diverse as cosmetics, polymer composites, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics and specialty chemicals such as insecticides or paints.

• Textiles – In apparel and textile products nanomaterials are used to enhance performance or improve functional properties, such as antimicrobial, flammability resistance, fragrance release, moisture management, shrink resistance, stain resistance, static protection, UV protection, water repellence and wrinkle resistance.
• Pharmaceuticals - Pharmaceutical formulations utilise nanoencapsulation as a way of achieving potential improved bioavailability for pharmaceutical active ingredients (API).
• Food and Nutrition – Nanotechnology impacts the food sector in many ways, including nutrient and bioactive absorption and delivery systems, ingredient functionality, improved colours and flavours, detection and control of microbial, allergen and other contaminants, and food packaging properties and performance.
• Cosmetics - Cosmetics have been developed to achieve optical effects by incorporating nanosized polymer entities or silica particles to give a 'flawless' or 'brightened' appearance. Nanoliposomes technology can help achieve a controlled release of a fragrance or a moisturiser and, in some cases, help improve product stability. Regulatory requirements drive the need to characterise nanosized ingredients in these products.
• Speciality chemicals - Specialty chemicals such as insecticides are increasingly incorporating nanosized systems to add a functional benefit to products. Formulations with nanoencapsulated active ingredients have the potential for a more targeted or controlled release over time.
• Rubbers, plastics and composites materials - The physical and mechanical performance of these materials are being enhanced through addition of nanotechnology such as carbon nanotubes, which are very thin tubes of elemental carbon (approximately 1/100000th the thickness of a single human hair).
• Electronics - Improving the electronic and optical properties of materials and components used in electronics is being explored through the use of nanomaterials such as graphene. Applications include batteries, electrodes and transparent conductive films.

With a proven track record of working with some of the world's leading organisations, you can trust us to help you assess exposure and minimise the risks associated with your nanomaterials.