Tag: Nanotechnology

ISO/TS 19337 – Testing Nano-objects

ISO/TS 19337, “Nanotechnologies – Characteristics of working suspensions of nano-objects for in vitro assays to evaluate inherent nano-object toxicity,” has just been released.  The new technical specification is available now from Document Center Inc.  It is a guide for evaluating possible impacts of “nano-objects” on human health and the environment.

As we become more familiar with the properties and effects of nano materials, we discover that tests for understanding biological effects for them may differ from traditional materials.  After all, many biological tests involve dissolving a chemical in water.  When you do this with many nano-objects, they tend to undergo changes like dissolution into their ionic counterparts or absorbed into the culture medium itself.  Without these properties being understood and accounted for, tests may not give you accurate results.

So the ISO/TS 19337 was developed to describe the essential characteristics and measurement methods of working suspensions containing nano-object samples for in vitro toxicity assays.  It is intended to be used to develop reliable test results for nano-objects to be used by regulators, the general public, manufacturers, and end users.

This technical specification has the usual scope, referenced documents, and definitions sections (including abbreviated terms).  The bulk of the technical material comes in Section 5, Characteristics and measurement methods, and Section 6, Reporting.  The document also provides you with 4 informative annexes – Flow of measurements, measurement and evaluation of stability, measurement of metal ions, and measurement of culture medium components.  A 23-item bibliography completes the publication.

If you’re using nanotechnology in your business, you’ll want a copy of the new specification.  Order your copy at the Document Center Inc. webstore, www.document-center.com.  Here’s a direct link for the order page for ISO/TS 19337.  And if you have additional questions, just get in touch with us by phone at 650-591-7600 or email at info@document-center.com.  We’ve been working with standards since 1982 so make us your Standards Experts!

IEC TS 62607-4 Updates for Nanomanufacturing

The IEC TS 62607-4 series on Key control characteristics for Nanomanufacturing has been updated.  There’s a new Edition 2.0 for IEC TS 62607-4-1 and a new Edition 1.0 for IEC TS 62607-4-3.  We’ll review these new two IEC releases one at a time.  The series addresses cathode nanomaterials so important in energy storage moving forward.  Uses include “Smart Grid” applications, transportation, and so on.  These materials support effective energy storage that are key for renewable energy usage.

IEC TS 62607-4-1, “Nanomanufacturing – Key control characteristics – Part 4-1: Cathode nanomaterials for nano-enabled electrical energy storage – Electrochemical characterisation, 2-electrode cell method,” was originally released last year.   After the technical specification was released, IEC TC 113 (the specification’s authoring committee) and IEC TC 21/SC 21A (the committee for secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid) had further discussions regarding the publication.

As a result of those meetings, the title of the document has been changed.  And the scope of the specification has also been modified.  It now clarifies that the publication deals with a method for determining electrochemical properties of cathode nanomaterials.  This might include lithium-ion batteries utilizing lithium iron phosphate for example.  And you’ll find that the definition of “cathode nanomaterial” has been updated to be more concise.  So the new Edition 2.0 for IEC TS 62607-4-1 is indeed a technical update, replacing and cancelling the previous Edition 1.0.

IEC TS 62607-4-3, “Nanomanufacturing – Key control characteristics – Part 4-3: Nano-enabled electrical energy storage – Contact and coating resistivity measurements for nanomaterials,” has just been issued.  This part of the IEC 62607 series provides you with standard methods to measure coating and contact resistivity of nano-enabled electrode materials.  It also allows you to evaluate the best combinations of composite material recipes and fabrication technologies for carbon containing these nano-enabled electrodes.  And using this method, you’ll be able to compare the results of different research groups.

This technical specification has been written for use during the study stage, not for evaluating end products.  Since this material can affect the performance of electrodes even in small quantities, the percentage of the amount of nanomaterial of the device in question doesn’t affect the applicability of this document.  So the fraction of nanomaterials in electrodes, electrode coatings, separators or electrolyte is not relevant for using this specification!  Amazing.

When might you use the IEC TS 62607-4-3?  The test method presented can help you decide if a coating composite material is suitable for your purposes.  And you’ll be able to select the best combinations of coating composite material including the fabrication technologies suitable for their application.

IEC reminds you to always make sure that you purchase your IEC standards from an authorized distributor.  Luckily, Document Center Inc. is such a provider.  So use our website, www.document-center.com, with confidence for your IEC and other standards purchases.  Here are links directly to the order page for IEC TS 62607-4-1 and the order page for IEC TS 62607-4-3.  You’ll be able to choose delivery in paper format or for pdf download.

Want multi-user access to IEC standards for your organization?  Our staff can help you set up a Standards Online subscription account that will be available for your staff from any internet connection.  Find out more by getting in touch with us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’re here to help you with all phases of your compliance and quality program.  Make us your Standards Experts!

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!