Invitation to participate in an interlaboratory study on cellulose nanomaterials

Task Group 1 (TG 1, Cellulosic nanomaterials) is an advisory group within ISO/TC 6 (Paper, board and pulps) with the mandate of determining which standards to develop for cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) and advising as to which working group within TC 6 should develop them. Our goal is to publish standard methods suitable for use with CNMs. Despite consisting mainly of cellulose (similarly to pulps), CNMs have very different forms, particle sizes, surface areas and degrees of crystallinity, and may contain chemical modifications, all of which can change the sample preparation and measurement techniques needed to characterize them.

As a first step in this work, we are adapting the below International Standard Method for use with cellulose nanomaterials:

• ISO 12830 - Determination of acid-soluble magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, copper, sodium and potassium;
• ISO 1762 -  Determination of residue (ash) on ignition at 525 degrees C

For each of these methods, a round robin interlaboratory comparison (ILC) study must be performed in order to obtain the reproducibility statistics which are a requirement in International Standard Methods.

An ILC is best done with the participation of as many laboratories as possible. According to TAPPI T 1200 sp-14 "Interlaboratory evaluation of test methods to determine TAPPI repeatability and reproducibility," it is "highly desirable" that a minimum of 8 laboratories participate, and the data absolutely cannot be based on results from fewer than 5 laboratories. As you can see, your participation is very important to us!

Please note:The acid-soluble metals protocol requires a muffle furnace for dry ashing, a microwave for wet digestion (optional), and an ICP-OES system for metals detection

If you agree to participate, the samples (4 different cellulose nanomaterials) would be sent to you along with the measurement protocol(s), and the results expected within a two-month period. The ILCs would likely be initiated during Q2 (end of April to mid-May) of this year.

The identity of the ILC participants will remain strictly confidential, and all participants will receive the complete results of the ILC. Also, all of the samples will be unknowns; the study is for method development and statistics purposes only. 

Please let Stephanie Beck know if you are willing to participate in the acid-soluble metals study, or the ash determination study, or both, by  March 10, 2017. Any suggestions for other laboratories to contact would also be highly appreciated.