Overview
ISO/TR 18196:2016 - Nanotechnologies - Measurement technique matrix for the characterization of nano-objects - is a technical report that helps users choose commercially available measurement techniques for common physicochemical parameters of nano-objects (and some nanostructured materials). The report presents a structured matrix and individual technique entries that summarize what each method measures, its advantages and limitations, the primary measurands and references to relevant standards.
Key Topics
- Measurement technique matrix that maps techniques to nano-object parameters (e.g., particle size, surface area, composition, thermal properties).
- Detailed technique entries including:
- Description of the method
- Nano-object parameters the method can characterize
- Advantages and limitations
- Measurands (what is actually measured)
- Relevant standards and references
- Coverage of a wide range of analytical methods such as:
- Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
- Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
- Electron and X‑ray techniques (EELS, EDS/EDX, AES)
- Aerosol and particle counting techniques (CPC, DMAS, AMS)
- Electrophoresis, analytical centrifugation and other separation/sizing methods
- Emphasis on practical selection criteria rather than prescriptive test procedures (report format).
Applications
- Instrument selection and method planning - Use the matrix to identify which commercially available techniques are suitable for specific nano-object parameters (size, shape, surface area, composition, thermal behavior).
- Laboratory workflow design - Inform sample preparation choices and multi-technique characterization strategies for research and quality control.
- Regulatory and safety dossiers - Support selection of appropriate measurement methods for material declarations, safety assessments and compliance reporting.
- Procurement and vendor assessment - Compare capabilities and limitations of analytical technologies when specifying equipment or services.
- Standards development and harmonization - Provides an overview useful to standards bodies and working groups aligning measurement practices.
Who uses it: research laboratories, nanomaterial manufacturers, quality assurance teams, regulatory authorities, instrument manufacturers, and standards developers.
Related standards
- ISO/TR 18196:2016 is a Technical Report summarizing methods and pointing to instrument-specific and standards documents for detailed procedures. Users should consult the referenced standards within each technique entry for normative measurement protocols and calibration requirements.
Keywords: ISO TR 18196, nanotechnologies, measurement technique matrix, nano-objects characterization, physicochemical parameters, particle size, surface area, DLS, BET, spectroscopy.