Proficiency testing scheme for the harmonization and comparability of analytical measurements

According to the experience of the successful implementation of proficiency tests (PT) by using the certified reference value as the assigned value, a new scheme of evaluation is presented by suggesting the use of the uncertainty associated with the certified value. The technical performance of laboratories is evaluated by the parameter quadratic mean error (QME), which is the square root of the sum of the square of the bias and that of the standard deviation of the laboratory. This parameter is considered as the estimate of the measurement uncertainty of the laboratory and is compared to the uncertainty (U) associated with the certified value provided by an NMI. Considering that the calibration and measurement capability, known as the CMC, is recognized among NMIs, the ratio QME/U enables us to compare the PT relative to the CMC of an NMI, and, consequently, to any other comparison results based on the CMC of signatories of the mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) of the International Committee of Weights and Measure (CIPM). Presented at BERM-11, October 2007, Tsukuba, Japan.     

Simple synthesis of mixed cellulose acylate phosphonates applying n-propyl phosphonic acid anhydride

Cellulose mixed esters containing alkylphosphonate and carboxylate groups were prepared homogeneously by a new one-pot method using n-propyl phosphonic acid anhydride (T3P^?) in LiCl/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). n-Propyl phosphonic acid anhydride acts as both an activating agent for carboxylic acids and phosphonation reagent. Cellulose mixed esters with DS_acyl ranging from 1.4 to 1.8, and DS_phos up to 0.7 could be prepared. The structure of the cellulose mixed esters was elucidated by FTIR- and NMR spectroscopy, as well as by GPC and solubility tests.