Paving the way for new and challenging matrix reference materials-particle suspensions at the core of material processing providing RMs for method development and method validation.

Sufficient homogeneity of the certified parameter(s) over the whole fill series of a matrix reference material (RM) is a fundamental quality criterion. In practice, the heterogeneity of the target parameter is evaluated, whereby a relative value can be calculated of how much the target parameter is varying over the RM-batch. A high degree of homogeneity (low heterogeneity) is an inherent quality mark of a good RM.

Infrared Thermography for Monitoring of Freeze Drying Processes-Part 2: Monitoring of Temperature on the Surface and Vertically in Cuvettes during Freeze Drying of a Pharmaceutical Formulation.

The coupling of an infrared (IR) camera to a freeze dryer for monitoring of the temperature of a pharmaceutical formulation (sucrose/mannitol solution, 4:1%, /) during freeze-drying has been exploited further. The new development allows monitoring of temperatures simultaneously at the surface as well as vertically, (e.g.

Feasibility study of a candidate reference material for ions in PM: does commutability matter also for inorganic matrices?

The existing Air Quality Directive 2008/50/EC establishes within the European Union (EU) member states limit values for fine air particulate matter (PM) including the possibility to discount natural sources of pollution when assessing compliance with the legislation. In proving this, EU member states shall determine, amongst others, the rural background concentration of some anions (Cl, NO and SO) and cations (Na, NH, K, Ca and Mg). To deliver reliable data and to comply with the data quality objectives of the legislation, environmental control laboratories should use certified reference materials (CRMs) to validate or verify the performance of their analytical methods.

Preparation of a PM-like reference material in sufficient quantities for accurate monitoring of anions and cations in fine atmospheric dust.

A reference material of a PM-like atmospheric dust material has been prepared using a newly developed method. It is intended to certify values for the mass fraction of SO, NO, Cl (anions) and Na, K, NH, Ca, Mg (cations) in this material. A successful route for the preparation of the candidate reference material is described alongside with two alternative approaches that were abandoned.