Nanotechnologies. Methodology for the classification and categorization of nanomaterials

PD ISO/TR 11360:2010 Nanotechnologies. Methodology for the classification and categorization of nanomaterials PD ISO/TR 11360 is a Technical Report that describes a comprehensive classifying system, termed a “nano-tree”, upon whose basis wide ranges of nanomaterials can be categorized, including nano-objects, nanostructures and nanocomposites of various dimensionality of different physical, chemical, magnetic and biological properties. The existence of a wide range of nanomaterials with various physical, chemical, mechanical, optical, magnetic, and biological properties, as well as different internal/external structures, highlights the importance of the design of a classifying system based on which these materials can be logically categorized. The classification and categorization of nanomaterials with a systematic approach containing a logical hierarchy between its various sectors can be of assistance to the wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines engaged in research, industry, and government. Because of different backgrounds and requirements, there can be widely divergent understandings and assumptions associated with emerging scientific concepts. The result can be poor communication, a lack of interoperability among systems, and duplication of effort as groups strive to define concepts and identify standards needs according to diverse perspectives. Public dissemination of the nano-tree is beneficial to industry, consumers, governments and regulatory bodies to promote clear and useful communication. The nano-tree classification system can be used to place nanotechnology concepts into context by indicating relationships among these concepts. Such context provides users with a structured view of nanotechnology and facilitates a common understanding of nanotechnology concepts. PD ISO/TR 11360 is a depiction of the current understanding of the structure and relationships for an emerging field. It is considered to be a snapshot of the subject domain at a particular time and may be revisited as the domain develops. It presents an illustrative approach to advance communication and understanding, rather than an exhaustive consideration of the possible approaches to classifying nanomaterials. It is not intended to exclude other completely legitimate methods of classification that can be considered now or in the future in the domain of nanotechnology. This classification of the subject domain of nanotechnology places the domain's concepts into relevant categories and shows the relationships among concepts. The primary utility is in identifying those concepts that help in properly categorizing the subject domain. This system has several purposes. The major aims and capabilities of the proposed nano-tree can be summarized as follows: • To provide a basic classification system for different types of nanomaterials • To pinpoint the required standard characterization techniques for the nanomaterials of interest (to be carried out by ISO/TC 229/WG 2) • To facilitate the identification of the important characteristics/properties of a specific nanomaterial in scientific journals and patents with the help of a database search engine by providing the necessary keywords for use by ISO/TC 229 Working Groups, including the work of ISO/TC 229/WG 4 on material specifications • To facilitate the design of “nomenclature framework” required for the logical and systematic terminology of nanomaterials. However, the classifying system presented in PD ISO/TR 11360 does not claim to provide full coverage of the whole range of nanomaterials. Contents of PD ISO TR 11360 contain: • Introduction • Scope • Nano-tree structure • Detailed description of nano-tree • Conclusion • Bibliography PD ISO/TR 11360 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies.