This British Standard is an adoption of an ISO standard. You can access the ISO version here.
This technical Specification given in ISO/TS 80004‑2 lists terms and definitions related to particles in the field of nanotechnologies.
The size and shape of nano-objects are often intrinsic to their function, so the description and measurement of their size and shape are important and must be considered carefully. The three most basic shapes referred to in ISO/TS 80004‑2, are illustrated in Figure 1. These three simple shapes represent the main classes of structural dimensionality to help categorize nano-objects.
In ISO/TS 80004‑2, nano-objects are defined according to their shape as determined by nanoscale dimensionality. In addition, some types of nano-objects are also defined according to structural configuration, morphology, form, or functionality.
Note: It is beyond the scope of ISO/TS 80004‑2 to consider or recommend specific size, size distribution, or related thresholds for nano-objects, particularly given the wide variability in size, shape, morphology, composition, and surface features of nano-objects, with each combination, potentially presenting differing implications for assessments of risk or safety to health or the environment.
ISO/TS 80004‑2 on Vocabulary - Nano-objects is useful for:
To create a unitary vocabulary, ISO/TS 80004‑2 encompasses terms used concerning particles with nanoscale dimensions. The terms in ISO/TS 80004‑2 form part of a larger hierarchy of terms under development for nanotechnologies. These terms defined in ISO/TS 80004‑2 are intended to facilitate communications between organizations and individuals in the industry and those who interact with them.
A particular issue concerns nano-objects where one or more external dimensions are larger than the nanoscale. Potential confusion can occur when one of these dimensions greatly exceeds the nanoscale. For example, carbon nanotubes can have overall lengths in the millimeter range and are still nano ISO/TS 80004-2:2015(E) objects according to the definitions in this part of ISO 80004. An example of an approach to this issue is to consider the size or shape at which the health risk from inhalation or other potential routes of exposure to nano-objects becomes small as an upper size limit for nano-objects.
Some other common shapes are defined in ISO/TS 80004-2, but a large number of different shapes are possible. A number of other parameters in addition to size and shape are also intrinsic to the function and phenomena exhibited by nano-objects. These parameters include composition, morphology, crystalline structure, and surface features, which can all have a major influence on the key nanoscale phenomena exhibited by nano-objects. Such phenomena include magnetic, optical, catalytic, electronic, and other properties.
ISO/TS 80004-2 promotes a common language for use by the nanotechnology industry and interdisciplinary research in these areas, organizes features of nanotechnology and contributes to cooperation in the field of nanotechnology and trade in the global market of nano-enabled products.
PD CEN ISO/TS 80004‑2:2017 supersedes CEN ISO/TS 27687:2009.
This first edition of ISO/TS 80004-2 cancels and replaces ISO/TS 27687:2008, which has been technically revised.