During phase II, colloidal metrics corp (CMC) plans to extend its ability to manufacture 100 NM polystyrene latex (PSL) size standards to include 200 and 400 NM latexes and add accurate particle…

Colloidal Metrics Corporation will receive $800,000 through a Cooperative Agreement award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the Department of Commerce to develop new particle size standards and provide accurate particle concentration data. The two-year award, beginning October 1, 2022, will support extending Colloidal Metrics' manufacturing capabilities to include 200nm and 400nm polystyrene latex size standards, modeled after its existing high-quality 100nm standard. The company will determine causes of excessive scattering variations and finish evaluating a specific latex submitted during Phase I for size and concentration measurement validation. Upon completion, Colloidal Metrics will offer dual-purpose size standard and concentration reference materials at the 100nm, 200nm, and 400nm scales to benefit users of nano-scale particle instrumentation across scientific, institutional, government, and commercial sectors. The award falls under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) to stimulate technological innovation.

Activities

Objective #1 for the phase II effort is to determine the cause of excessive scatter of various sizes of latex and fix IT. Objective #2 for phase II is to finish evaluation of specific latex that was submitted in phase i for size and particle concentration measurement and validation.

Expected outcomes

CMC's phase II activities will cover how CMC manufactures its 100 NM polystyrene latex size standard and how they plan to duplicate or exceed the superior quality for 200 and 400 NM latexes.

Intended beneficiaries

All scientific, institutional, government, and commercial entities that use nano-scale particle size or particle concentration measuring instruments are potential beneficiaries.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.