Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology Testing Services

Nanotechnology is characterised by the phenomenon in which materials exhibit significantly altered properties when reduced to the nanoscale. For instance, gold nanoparticles exhibit light-absorption properties absent in bulk gold, while carbon nanostructures offer superior strength-to-weight ratios compared to steel. Furthermore, titanium dioxide transitions from an inert powder to a potent photocatalyst at the nanoscale. Due to the convergence of chemistry, physics, and materials science at these dimensions, conventional bulk testing methodologies are often inadequate for comprehensive characterisation.

Infinita Lab offers advanced nanotechnology materials testing services to ensure the safety, performance, and regulatory compliance of nanomaterials across diverse industries. Utilising a portfolio of over 2,000 specialised tests, the laboratory conducts rigorous analyses of structural, mechanical, and chemical properties through sophisticated techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and various spectroscopic methods. Our technical team supports research, product development, and regulatory validation, delivering precise nanoscale metrology and comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

Infinita Lab helps nanomaterial researchers, developers, and manufacturers meet strict quality and compliance standards, including ASTM and ISO 17025.

Our Nanotechnology Testing Services

Structural Characterisation – SEM, TEM & XRD

If you want to understand a nanomaterial, you have to see it. And seeing something at the nanoscale means using instruments that operate far beyond what optical microscopes can do. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction give you direct, interpretable images of particle morphology, crystal structure, grain boundaries, and internal defects – the structural information that explains why a nanomaterial behaves the way it does.

We use modern microscopy and spectroscopy methods such as SEM, TEM, AFM, and XRD to characterise the morphology, crystalline structure, composition, and surface characteristics of nanomaterials. Such a precise structural description guarantees certainty in understanding the behaviour, performance, and reproducibility of the material at its atomic and molecular levels.

Key measurements include particle morphology and size distribution, crystal phase identification and lattice parameters, grain size and grain boundary characterisation, and defect and dislocation analysis.

Thin Film Strain Gradient Testing

When you deposit a thin film – whether it’s a few nanometres of aluminium oxide by ALD or a sputtered metal coating for a MEMS actuator – residual stresses develop in the film during deposition and cooling; those stresses vary through the film thickness, creating a strain gradient that can cause cantilevers to curl, membranes to buckle, and actuators to miss their design position. Characterising this before your device goes into production is how you avoid very expensive surprises.

Relevant ASTM Standards:

ASTM E2246 – Standard test method for measuring strain gradients in thin films deposited on substrates using optical interferometric microscopy. Strain gradients arise from residual stress variations across the film thickness, causing suspended or released thin-film structures to curl or deflect out of plane. Interferometric measurement of this curvature provides quantitative data on the magnitude of the strain gradient. Strain-gradient characterisation is essential for MEMS device design, reliability, and process control, as residual stress gradients can cause unacceptable deflection in cantilevers, membranes, and other suspended structures, thereby compromising device functionality.

ASTM E2245 – Standard test method for residual strain measurements of thin, reflecting films using an optical interferometer. Provides in-plane residual strain data that complement the out-of-plane strain-gradient measurement from ASTM E2246, giving a complete picture of the biaxial stress state in deposited thin films for MEMS and microelectronics applications.

ASTM E2244 – Standard test method for in-plane length measurements of thin, reflecting films using an optical interferometer, providing dimensional metrology of MEMS test structures used to extract residual stress and Young’s modulus from released thin-film beams and bridges.

Nano-Scale Surface Roughness Measurement – AFM

At the nanoscale, surface roughness isn’t just an aesthetic concern – it’s a functional one. A sub-nanometre variation in wafer surface roughness can affect thin-film adhesion, contact electrical resistance, scatter light in optical coatings, and reduce lithography yield. AFM roughness measurement gives you the sub-angstrom resolution needed to actually characterise these effects – and catch process drift before it becomes a yield problem.

AFM Nano-Scale Roughness Measurement – Atomic Force Microscopy is widely used for nanoscale roughness measurement due to its ultra-high resolution (sub-nanometre level) and ability to generate 3D surface profiles. It operates by scanning a sharp probe across the surface, measuring nanoscale height variations, and providing precise characterisation of surface roughness. Even sub-nanometre variations in surface topography can significantly influence electrical conductivity, adhesion, and device efficiency.

Key surface parameters measured include Ra (average roughness), Rq (root-mean-square roughness), Rmax (maximum peak-to-valley height), and full 3D topography maps – all across scan areas ranging from individual nanometre-scale features to micron-scale regions of interest.

Outgassing Testing for Nanomaterial-Based Devices

Nanomaterial coatings, polymer nanocomposites, nanoparticle-loaded adhesives, and nanostructured films can all release volatile compounds under thermal or vacuum conditions. For devices operating in space, vacuum chambers, cleanrooms, or sensitive optical systems, outgassing from these materials can contaminate adjacent surfaces, degrade optics, and cause electrical failures. Knowing the outgassing behaviour of your nanomaterial system before deployment is non-negotiable for high-reliability applications.

Relevant ASTM Standards:

ASTM E595 – Standard test method for total mass loss (TML) and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) from materials exposed to a vacuum environment. The method determines how much volatile material is released when a sample is exposed to elevated temperature under low-pressure conditions. This standard is critical for applications where outgassing can contaminate sensitive components, especially in vacuum or controlled environments. By quantifying TML and CVCM, ASTM E595 ensures the suitability and reliability of materials for vacuum, space, and high-precision optical applications.

Thermal Characterisation of Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials often behave very differently thermally than their bulk counterparts. Nanoconfined polymers have lower glass transition temperatures. Metal nanoparticle assemblies have depressed melting points. Carbon nanotube-reinforced composites show dramatically enhanced thermal stability. Understanding these thermal properties isn’t just academic – it determines whether your nanomaterial will perform safely and consistently across its operating temperature range.

Relevant ASTM Standards:

ASTM E1131 – Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) for compositional analysis, decomposition onset temperature, and thermal stability of nanomaterial powders, nanocomposites, and nano-structured coatings. This standard outlines the methodology for compositional analysis using thermogravimetry, which quantifies volatile substances, combustibles, and ash in solids and liquids as the sample is heated over a broad temperature range, and is commonly employed for quality control and material testing applications.

ASTM E1356 – DSC determination of glass transition temperatures for nano-structured polymers, nanocomposite matrices, and amorphous nanomaterial coatings, defining the thermal service limits of nanomaterial-based components and devices.

ASTM D3418 – DSC characterisation of melting, crystallisation, glass transition temperature, and oxidative induction time of polymer nanocomposites and nanomaterial-loaded polymer matrices, supporting formulation and process control in the development of nano-enhanced materials.

ASTM E1269 – DSC determination of specific heat capacity of nanomaterial powders, nano-structured thermal interface materials, and nanocomposite components – essential thermophysical data for thermal management design in nanoelectronics and nano-enhanced devices.

Particle Size Distribution & Colloidal Stability Analysis

In nanotechnology, particle size is not just a descriptor – it’s a primary performance variable. Nanoparticle optical properties, reactivity, cellular uptake, and colloidal stability all depend critically on particle size distribution. A nanoparticle formulation that measures 20 nm average diameter but has a tail of 200 nm agglomerates behaves very differently from a truly monodisperse 20 nm suspension. Measuring size distribution accurately, not just average size, is what lets you control your process and your product.

It is essential to measure the characteristic size, shape, distribution, and surface area of particles in interpreting the functionality, reactivity, and stability of the nanomaterial. Proper measurements using techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), BET surface area measurements, and laser diffraction help guide formulation design, processing, and safety evaluation.

Key measurements include hydrodynamic diameter by DLS, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential for colloidal stability, BET specific surface area, and particle number concentration.

Surface Chemistry & Functionalization Analysis

A nanoparticle without the right surface chemistry is like a drug without the right delivery system – the core functionality is there, but it can’t reach where it needs to go or do what it needs to do. Surface functional groups govern how nanoparticles interact with biological systems, bind to substrates, disperse in solvents, and catalyse reactions. Characterising surface chemistry with the right spectroscopic tools is how you confirm that your surface engineering actually worked.

Surface chemistry is responsible for defining nanomaterial interactions with their surroundings. Surface functionality, surface coatings, and chemical changes are assessed using techniques such as XPS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to gain insight into adhesion characteristics, reactivity, and compatibility with materials or biological systems.

Key analytical techniques used include X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) for elemental composition and oxidation states, FTIR for functional group identification, Raman spectroscopy for structural fingerprinting, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental mapping at the nanoscale.

Mechanical Property Evaluation at the Nanoscale

Nanomaterials are increasingly used specifically because of their mechanical properties – nano-reinforced composites are lighter and stronger, nano-structured coatings are harder and more wear-resistant, MEMS components rely on precise knowledge of thin-film elastic moduli. Measuring these properties at the nanoscale requires different tools and approaches from bulk mechanical testing – but the decisions they inform are just as critical.

Mechanical test solutions measure critical performance indicators such as strength, elasticity, hardness, and stability in nanostructured materials. With nanoindentation and tensile testing methods, we enable you to quantify nanomaterial performance under stress, strain, and environmental variations – guaranteeing long-term performance and product quality.

Key measurements include nanohardness and elastic modulus via nanoindentation, thin-film residual stress via optical interferometry, and fracture toughness of nanostructured ceramic coatings.

Toxicity & Environmental Impact Assessment

As nanomaterials enter consumer products, medical devices, and environmental remediation systems, understanding their biological and ecological effects becomes just as important as understanding their performance properties. A nanomaterial that performs brilliantly as a coating or catalyst but proves cytotoxic or environmentally persistent is not a viable product.

The in-depth understanding of the biological and ecological effects of nanomaterials is essential in sustainable and safe innovation. Cytotoxicity screening, bio-interaction profiling, and ecological footprint analysis enable manufacturers to examine risks associated with nanoparticle exposure and emissions.

Why Nanotechnology Testing Matters

Nanotechnology is one of the more revolutionary areas of today’s science, holding never-before-seen potential to improve product performance by manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular levels. From lighter, stronger materials to improved drug delivery systems and future electronics, nanotechnology is transforming industries across the globe. Product safety, performance, and compliance for nanomaterials require highly specialised testing that captures the distinctive characteristics of these materials at the nanoscale.

Without validated, standardised testing, nanomaterial innovation stalls – not because the science isn’t there, but because manufacturers, regulators, and customers can’t trust what they can’t verify.