ISO TS 27687 Seeks to Define Nanotechnologies

October 2, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

It is intended to facilitate communications between organizations and individuals in industry and those who interact with them.

ISO TS 27687:2008 - Nanotechnologies - Terminology and definitions for nano-objects - Nanoparticle, nanofibre and nanoplate is the first part of a projected series on terminology and definitions documents covering the different aspects of nanotechnologies.

The standard is concerned with the terminology and definitions for objects at the nanoscale, which come in several shapes. The three basic shapes referred to in this document are nanoparticle, nanofibre and nanoplate.

According to ISO, nanotechnologies are expected to be a key economic driver for the 21st century. They promise benefits, including enhancements in medical diagnosis and treatment; more efficient energy sources; lighter, stronger and cheaper materials; faster and more powerful electronic products and cleaner, cheaper water, ISO said.

At the same time, attention is being paid to the effects of specific nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticles, on human health and the environment and ISO's work in the field includes the development of standards on these aspects.

"International standardization will play a critical role in ensuring that the full potential of nanotechnology is realized and that nanotechnology is safely integrated into society," said Dr. Peter Hatto, chair of ISO technical committee (TC) ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies.

"Standards will help create a smooth transition from the laboratory to the marketplace, promote progress along the nanotechnology value chain and facilitate global trade. ISO TS 27687:2008 helps to provide clarity in the description and naming of these fundamental building blocks for this important area of technology," he said.

Source: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).