Three proposed new nanotechnology standards

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Three proposals for new standards in the area of nanotechnology have been proposed. A Standard-Specific Interest Group (SSIG) must be formed for each of these proposals. Any individuals who are interested in these standards may join any or all of the SSIGs to receive ballots when they are ready for vote. If you would like to join any of the SSIGs, please notify the Standards Department at standards@tappi.org or by fax at +1-770-446-6947 no later than February 19, 2011.

The titles and scopes for the three standards are shown below. The WI number indicates the Work Item number; please specify which Work Item(s) SSIGs you would like to join

T New (WI 3021) "Nanocellulose nomenclature and terminology." The scope for nanocellulose nomenclature and terminology standardization shall include manufactured cellulosic fibers from plants and microorganisms with two dimensions in the nanoscale. The ISO definition for nanoscale (approximately 1-100 nm) is adopted for the purpose of this nanocellulose standards-making activity. Standard nomenclature and terminology development for nanocellulose with at least one of the short dimensions in the 100 to 1000 nm range and display size dependent properties shall also be considered. This nanocellulose nomenclature and terminology scope shall cover the entire supply chain starting with manufactured nanocellulosic raw material to nanocellulose derived materials and products, ending with product end-of-life of nanocellulose derived products. This nanocellulose nomenclature and terminology standards development shall also include nomenclature and terminology of phenomena and equipment, nanoscale or otherwise, in manufacturing processes nanocelluloses encounter. Nomenclature and terminologies developed in this standards developing process will also have implications in product stewardship and environment, health and safety regulations.

T New (WI 3022) "Representative cellulosic nanomaterials for environmental, health and safety studies." This specification identifies base-case cellulosic nanomaterials that will be used for environment, health and safety (EHS) evaluations. Cellulose nanomaterials can be produced from a wide variety of tree species as well as non-woody plants. Therefore. cellulosic nanomaterials produced from different species and differing processing conditions could well possess differing EHS impacts. However, there are limiting factors such as only a small subset of tree species has important commercial value and wide spread use. In addition, it may also be that the range of variation in EHS impacts may be relatively small for the range of cellulosic nanomaterials that are commercially important.

T New (WI 3023) "Methodology for the classification and categorization of nanocelulose." This standard provides guidance on the preparation of comprehensive technical specifications for the characteristics of manufactured nanocellulose and their measurement methods in order to ensure the delivery of product that gives a consistent response in processing and/or final performance. The document includes guidance on specifying the physical and chemical characteristics of manufactured nanocellulose, which might affect performance or subsequent processing. The listed measurement methods are not normative but informative. The nanocellulose may be supplied in a dry form or as dispersions in a liquid medium. This document does not include guidance on specifying the environmental, health and safety (EHS) characteristics of manufactured nano-objects. However, nanotechnology is a rapidly growing and evolving field. Therefore, users of this document should maintain an awareness of the legislative environment and latest developments in EHS regarding nanotechnology. The document does not specify quantitative requirements for the object to be considered a nano-object but lists appropriate examples of characteristics and properties and their measurement methods useful for specifying nano-objects. Characteristics and measurement methods for nano devicing technology are not included. Although this document refers to parameters, which could be considered to be aspects of material quality, it is not intended as providing guidance on the establishment of quality management systems.

TAPPI Standards guidelines require that all TAPPI members receive notification of any proposed new Standard or TIPs. This message is being sent to you because you are a TAPPI member; have purchased TIPs or Standards products from TAPPI; or because you have previously expressed interest in this topic.

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