The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 229 on Nanotechnologies, Joint Working Group (JWG) 2, Measurement and characterization has developed a new deliverable, ISO/Technical Report (TR) 18196:2016, Nanotechnologies -- Measurement technique matrix for the characterization of nano-objects. The document provides a matrix that guides users to commercially available techniques relevant to the measurements of common physiochemical parameters for nano-objects.
The ISO Technical Report, led by project leader Dr. Heidi Grecsek of PerkinElmer (USA), is designed to guide industrial researchers and technicians to information on commercially available techniques for analyzing nano-objects or nanostructured materials. As nanostructured materials are very complex, they can pose challenges for scientists to properly characterize them. And while there is an abundant flow of information available today on different technologies, there is limited information focused exclusively on the analysis of nano-objects.
Developed to minimize complexity and provide targeted information for researchers working with nanomaterials, ISO 18196 is a valuable resource to understand not only what techniques are best suited for their specific needs, but also what they can expect out of a measurement, as well as suggested alternatives. Also included in the report is an easy-to-use matrix that provides a chart of measurement techniques, and common nano-object parameters. Once a user identifies the technique that may be best suited for the measurement, they can enter the main body of the text for additional details, suggestions, and information.
"This document is a critical step in moving forward nano-metrology; the science of measurement," explains Dr. Angela Hight Walker, chair of the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to TC 229/JWG 2. "With the important matrix indicating which measuring techniques can provide what type of information, [including] size, shape, and composition, scientists and technicians will now know where to start." The document is also filled with key components such as the advantages and disadvantages of the respective technique and if there are documentary standards are available on how to utilize it, she added.
As techniques can behave very differently with nano-objects as when compared to bulk materials, the document serves to achieve targeted information for nanomaterials researchers and experts. "Ultimately, we seek to improve the measurement quality, and specifically, reproducibility in the literature and in the industry. This document is a major step toward that goal," Hight explains.
ISO TC 229 on Nanotechnologies has published 53 documents since its formation in 2005. For more information on ISO TC 229's Working Groups and nanotechnology developments, see ANSI's related coverage.
The United States actively participates in the work of ISO TC 229 and all of its Working Groups (WGs) and task groups, with national input developed by the U.S. TAG to ISO TC 229, a group that is accredited and administered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). For more information regarding the U.S. TAG please visit their homepage.