Interlaboratory Testing: Preliminary Concepts Carolyn Cairns and Janet Carter 16 May 2013

Purpose for the Workshop Present framework for ITG testing – Develop recommendations on specifics for testing strategy – Workshop will provide solid recommendations to steering committee on path forward for ITG Identify critical considerations for inter- laboratory testing

ITG Charge To develop a testing strategy* to assess – Robustness – Reproducibility – Repeatability – Transferability of analytical methods available to detect nanoscale releases from selected nanocomposites for priority release scenarios *based on TG and SOS white papers

Initial Approach Small pilot project to explore feasibility of inter- laboratory testing – Quickly identify inconsistencies or deficiencies – Fine tune methods for broader testing Design appropriate analytical and process controls – Creation and transport of samples – Identification of MWCNT – Polymer and polymer/MWCNT – Standardized material as laboratory control – Positive and negative controls

Materials (CNT/Polymers) Suppliers Sample Generation Analytical Methods Development (e.g. particle count, SEM, AUC, etc.) C. Weathering/ Environmental C. Weathering/ Environmental B. Sanding/ Occupational B. Sanding/ Occupational A. Abrasion/ Consumer A. Abrasion/ Consumer Module Identify specific scenarios and CNT/polymer for consumer and occupational settings CNT/polymer specific to uses subject to weathering Lab A Lab B Lab C Lab D Lab E Lab A Lab B

Break Out Sessions Make decisions regarding materials, scenarios, and methods to be used in Phase 3 – the interlaboratory testing – Decisions based on information obtained in TGs and SOS as well as Phase 2.5 document Recommendations from breakout sessions will be sent back to steering committee for final analysis Information from breakout sessions will be used for potential future studies

Additional Considerations Recruit labs to participate – Develop criteria for lab inclusion – Number of labs needed for initial pilot study Amount of Funding and Mechanism of Funding Develop CRADA or other enabling tools to foster cooperation and coordination – if needed How and when to transition from pilot to method validation and standardization