ISO TS 23302-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/TS 23302:2021 — Nanotechnologies — Requirements and recommendations for the identification of measurands that characterise nano-objects and materials that contain them. This technical specification provides requirements and practical recommendations to identify and specify measurable quantities (measurands) used to characterise nano-objects, their agglomerates and aggregates, and to assess properties relevant to the performance of materials that contain them.

Abstract

This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the identification of measurands to characterize nano‑objects and their agglomerates and aggregates, and to assess specific properties relevant to the performance of materials that contain them. It also provides recommendations on measurement considerations and selection of appropriate measurands for different characterization goals.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed current as reviewed).
• Publication date: 30 November 2021 (Edition 1, 2021).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 07.120 (Nanotechnologies).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2021).
• Number of pages: 68.

Scope

ISO/TS 23302:2021 covers the identification and specification of measurands that are appropriate for characterizing nano‑objects (including nanoparticles, nanofibres and nanoplates), their agglomerates and aggregates, and materials containing them. The scope includes guidance on types of measurands (size, shape, surface, composition, crystallinity, thermal and mechanical properties, dispersibility/dustiness etc.), the state of the nano‑object relevant to measurement, and recommendations for selecting measurands to meet specific performance, safety or regulatory needs. The document is intended to support consistent and transparent reporting of characterization results.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of measurand types relevant to nano‑objects and materials containing them (size, shape, surface area/chemistry, mass, crystallinity, thermal and mechanical properties, electrical/charge properties, dispersibility/dustiness, dissolution rate, etc.).
• Guidance on selecting measurands based on the material state (isolated objects, agglomerates, aggregates, suspensions, aerosols, bulk matrices).
• Recommendations for reporting measurand definitions, measurement conditions and metrological context to ensure comparability and reproducibility.
• Links to relevant measurement techniques and where specific measurands are commonly used (microscopy, scattering, aerosol sizing, surface analysis, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, etc.).
• Considerations for performance‑related measurands (e.g., dustiness for powders, dispersibility in liquids, mechanical properties in nano‑composites).

Typical use and users

Intended users include materials scientists, analytical and testing laboratories, instrument manufacturers, regulators, product developers and quality managers working with nano‑objects or materials containing nano‑objects. The specification is used to choose appropriate measurands for research, product development, safety assessment and regulatory reporting, and to harmonize how characterization results are described and reported.

Related standards

ISO/TS 23302:2021 sits within the broader ISO nanotechnologies work programme and is related to vocabulary and characterization documents such as the ISO/TS 80004 series (vocabulary and nano‑object characterization guidance). It succeeded and harmonized guidance previously provided in CEN/TS 17010:2016 (Guidance on measurands for characterising nano‑objects and materials that contain them). A new work item to develop a further edition (ISO/AWI TS 23302) is registered and under development.

Keywords

nanotechnologies; nano‑objects; measurand; characterization; nano‑materials; agglomerates; aggregates; measurand selection; measurement recommendations; size; shape; surface chemistry.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TS 23302:2021 is an ISO Technical Specification that defines requirements and recommendations for identifying measurands used to characterise nano‑objects and materials containing them. It provides practical guidance to support consistent measurement selection and reporting.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers types of measurands (size, shape, surface, composition, thermal/mechanical properties, dispersibility/dustiness, etc.), how the state of the nano‑object affects measurand choice (isolated vs agglomerated vs in a matrix), and recommendations for reporting measurement context and conditions to improve comparability.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials scientists, testing and analytical laboratories, instrument makers, regulators, product developers and quality or safety assessors working with nanomaterials or nano‑enabled products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the latest ISO record the 2021 edition is published and was reviewed/confirmed in ISO maintenance checks; it remains current. There is an active project to produce a revised edition (ISO/AWI TS 23302) which will replace the 2021 Technical Specification when published, so users should watch for an updated edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it complements other ISO nanotechnologies documents, particularly the ISO/TS 80004 vocabulary series and related characterization guidance documents; users should consult those vocabulary and terminology parts to ensure consistent use of terms.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Nanotechnologies; measurand; nano‑objects; nano‑materials; characterization; size; shape; surface chemistry; dispersibility; dustiness; measurement reporting.