Nanotechnologies

Nanotechnologies are the design, caracterisation, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the atomic scale.

Nanotechnologies are predicted to be the most important driver for economic growth in the 21st century. Applications of nanotechnologies will have an impact on all aspects of life and will enable advances to be realized in areas of communication, health, manufacturing, materials, and knowledge-based technologies. Industrial and consumer applications and uses of nanotechnologies are expected to grow dramatically during the coming years.

Given the magnitude of the potential market offered by nanotechnologies, CEN establised CEN/TC 352 'Nanotechnologies' at the end of 2005 to develop a set of standards adressing the following aspects of nanotechnologies:

• classification, terminology and nomenclature;
• metrology and instrumentation, including specifications for reference materials;
• test methodologies;
• modelling and simulation;
• science-based health, safety and environmental practices;
• nanotechnology products and processes.

Standards in each of these areas could be specific to a product, process or industry.

CEN/TC 352 'Nanotechnologies' work programme.

For topics of mutual interest to ISO (ISO/TC 229 nanotechnologies) and CEN, it is expected that work should be carried out under the Vienna Agreement with ISO lead.

Liaison is ensured with relevant national, regional and international standardization organizations and with other relevant bodies, organizations and groupings worldwide.

Contact

Ms Cinzia Missiroli - Programme Manager Standards Development