Overview
ISO/TR 11360:2010 - Nanotechnologies: Methodology for the classification and categorization of nanomaterials - is a Technical Report from ISO/TC 229 that defines a systematic classification scheme (the “nano‑tree”) to categorize a wide range of nanomaterials. The report is informative (not normative) and presents a snapshot methodology for organizing nano‑objects, nanostructures and nanocomposites by dimensionality, internal/external structure, chemical identity and functional properties.
Key topics
- Nano‑tree structure: a four‑column classification that starts with dimension (C1: 1D, 2D, 3D) and progresses through internal/external structure and component complexity (C2), chemical identity (C3: metallic, ceramic, polymers, carbon‑based, organic, etc.), and finally to measurable properties (C4: electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal, mechanical, biological and combined behaviours).
- Dimension methodologies: discusses two approaches - spatial dimension (preferred in this report) and quantum confinement - and explains advantages/limitations of each for assigning 1D/2D/3D classification.
- Examples and extensions: illustrates typical examples (e.g., 1D nanoclay in a polymer matrix, 2D ceramic dispersed in an organic matrix) and uses dotted/expandable areas to signal future growth in the classification tree.
- Property sub‑categorization: identifies key physical, chemical and biological properties (and combined effects such as magneto‑optic, electro‑optic, piezoelectric) but explicitly does not quantify property thresholds - highlighting the need for standardized measurement methods.
- Scope and intent: intended to aid communication, indexing and interoperability across research, industry and regulation; not exhaustive and intended to evolve.
Applications and users
ISO/TR 11360:2010 is useful for:
- Researchers and materials scientists classifying new nanomaterials by dimensionality, composition and behaviour.
- Industry and product developers mapping material types to target functional properties for application development.
- Regulators and risk assessors seeking a transparent taxonomy to support regulatory classification and reporting.
- Standards developers and working groups (ISO/TC 229 WG1, WG2, WG4 referenced in the report) to identify characterization techniques, terminology needs and material specification priorities.
- Database managers and patent/search services using the nano‑tree keywords to improve indexing and literature retrieval.
Related standards / considerations
- This Technical Report complements ongoing ISO/TC 229 work on terminology, measurement/characterization and material specifications. Full utility depends on development of harmonized definitions and standardized measurement methods.
Notes
ISO/TR 11360:2010 provides a practical, SEO‑friendly framework (nano‑tree) for organizing nanotechnology concepts, aiding communication, standards planning and applied materials selection while recognizing the need for future refinement and measurement standardization.