Getting microanalysis right—first time—depends on standards that truly match your sample. That’s why Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) now supplies myStandards’ pressed powder “Nano-Pellet” reference materials (including ISO 17034-certified CRMs) to laboratories across Australia. The result: simpler workflows for solid-state techniques and more defensible data.
Who is myStandards?
myStandards GmbH (Kiel, Germany) develops matrix-matched pressed powder pellets designed specifically for microanalytical methods such as LA-ICP-MS, μXRF, LIBS and XRF. Their core innovation is milling source materials down to the nano-scale and pressing binder-free pellets that are extremely homogeneous and pure—well suited to small spot sizes and in-situ analysis.
Why Nano-Pellets matter for microanalysis
Traditional bulk standards (e.g., glasses) can be convenient, but they’re often not matrix-matched to the geological, biological or industrial samples you actually ablate or excite. myStandards’ Nano-Pellets are pressed directly from matrix-relevant powders—without binders—so you calibrate against the same type of material you measure. myStandards reports that this approach can improve analytical accuracy by up to 30% compared to conventional standards such as NIST glasses, because homogeneity and matrix matching reduce systematic bias.
In practice, the benefits show up in three places:
Spatial fidelity: Nano-Pellets support small laser spot sizes used in LA-ICP-MS and micro-XRF, improving local quant accuracy.
Cleaner workflows: They minimise (and sometimes eliminate) wet-chemistry digestion for calibration—fewer acids, less time, lower risk.
Consistency: Binder-free pressing and nano-particulate milling drive exceptional pellet homogeneity, enhancing day-to-day reproducibility.
Certified vs. non-certified reference materials—what’s the difference?
In ISO language, CRMs (certified reference materials) are produced under ISO 17034 with stated, metrologically traceable values and uncertainties; RMs (reference materials) are well-characterised materials that may not include full certification. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right control for your method validation, trueness checks, and calibration.
myStandards offers both:
ISO 17034-certified CRMs manufactured and released under the standard’s requirements (e.g., BPLM-NP; additional certified lines are being introduced).
Nano-Pellets pressed from well-known third-party RMs (OREAS, AMIS, GTA, CNRS, USGS), giving you a broad catalogue of matrices for method development and routine QC.
Peer-reviewed literature supports the approach: for example, nano-particulate calcium carbonate pellets have been prepared and evaluated following ISO guidance for microanalytical calibration and QA.
What’s in the range?
The portfolio spans geological and industrial matrices—granite, andesite, albite, apatite, flood basalts and more—configured as 10 mm, 13 mm or 20 mm pellets to fit common sample holders for LA-ICP-MS, μXRF, LIBS and XRF systems. This flexibility simplifies instrument setup across platforms.
Where Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) fits in
Since 1982, Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) has specialised in sourcing and supplying certified reference materials and proficiency samples to Australian labs, with the permits, import logistics and technical know-how to get the right standard to your bench—fast. Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) now partners with myStandards to make Nano-Pellets and certified lines readily available in Australia, backed by local support.
What you can expect with Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL)+ myStandards
Matrix-matched options across geochemical, environmental, mining, manufacturing and research applications.
Accredited CRMs produced under ISO 17034 where specified, with clear Certificates of Analysis and uncertainty budgets.
Operational efficiency: reduce acid-based prep, speed up calibration, and standardise multi-instrument workflows.
Sizing and compatibility with common holders and microanalytical spot sizes (10/13/20 mm).
Selection guide: aligning standards to outcomes
Define the decision you’re supporting.
Regulatory release testing or accreditation? Prefer ISO 17034-certified CRMs with documented uncertainties.
Screening, method development or map quantification? High-homogeneity Nano-Pellets (RM or CRM) may be optimal.
Match the matrix, then the method.
Pick pellets pressed from materials similar to your samples (e.g., silicates for lithophile elements, carbonates for biominerals or cements). Confirm suitability for LA-ICP-MS, μXRF, LIBS or XRF as applicable.
Check homogeneity and uncertainty.
Review the COA for the unit-to-unit variance and the certification approach (ISO 17034/Guide 35 for CRMs).
Standardise sizes and holders.
Choose 10/13/20 mm formats to fit your stage and automate routine sequences; this improves throughput and reproducibility.
Practical wins we see in Australian labs
Better quant maps at lower dwell times in LA-ICP-MS because calibration spots are more representative of sample behavior.
Lower consumables cost and risk by swapping some acid digestion steps for solid-state calibration where appropriate.
Improved inter-lab comparability, as matrix-matched, binder-free pellets reduce systematic offsets between instruments.
Ready to source myStandards via Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL)?
Graham B Jackson Pty Ltd (GBJPL) can help you shortlist the right matrices and certification level (CRM vs RM), confirm sizing/holder compatibility, and coordinate import and delivery timelines to your site. Explore options, request COAs or discuss a method-specific panel (e.g., a geochemical suite plus an apatite or carbonate control for bio-minerals).
For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@gbjpl.com.au