New ISO/TS 80004-2 on Nano-Object Definitions

In any emerging technology, defining terms is essential to building a body of knowledge.  For nano-technology, there’s the new ISO/TS 80004-2, “Nanotechnologies – Vocabulary – Part 2: Nano-objects.”  This technical specification is a primer of terms and concepts used for particles with nano-scale dimensions.  It’s part of a larger project to develop a hierarchy of terms for the field as a whole.

Why use ISO/TS 80004-2?  For all those working in the industry, communications are facilitated by a consistency in the usage of terms.  Without this basic agreement, successful interactions between both individuals and organizations are not possible.

What kinds of nano-objects are covered by this technical specification?  ISO/TS 80004-2 covers terms for nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanoplates.  Each of these objects is defined by the number of dimensions they inhabit — nanoparticles are 3-dimensional, nanofibers are 2, and nanoplates exist in a single dimension.

What are some practical applications for ISO/TS 80004-2?  Of course, nano-objects are being used in cutting edge applications.  But this type of small particulate matter is also important for risk assessment and regulation of such things as traffic and industrial pollution, as well as monitoring volcanic dust, pollen and so on.  So again, a unified vocabulary is essential to enforcement and effective communications.

What size range of particles are considered nano-objects?  Nano-objects are within the nanoscale range of 1 nm to 100 nm (nanometers).  That is, the material has one, two or three dimensions within that range.

What other aspects of nano-technology does ISO/TS 80004-2 cover?  Annex A provides you with an informative section on particle size measurement.  Since actually measuring nano-objects comes with its own set of challenges, this is a good overview of what’s involved.  There is also discussion here of ultrafine particles and the relationship to workplace and cleanroom technologies (ISO Committees TC 146/SC 2 and TC 209).  And Annex B reviews the types of particles by the concepts of constituent particles, aggregates, and agglomerates.

Is there a way to learn more once I review the ISO/TS 80004-2?  Yes, the 15-item bibliography provides you with a list of relevant standards as well as 1 journal article that will be useful to you in expanding your understanding of this topic.

How can I get a copy of ISO/TS 80004-2?  This technical specification is a copyright document and must be purchased from an authorized distributor.  Document Center Inc. should be your choice, with the publication available for delivery in paper format, as a pdf download, and as part of our Standards Online multi-user subscription service.  Order at our webstore, www.document-center.com.  Or go directly to this order page for ISO/TS 80004-2.  Questions?  Contact our staff for more information by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’ve been working with standards since 1982 so make us your standards experts!