Overview
ISO/TR 18401:2017 - Nanotechnologies is a Technical Report that provides plain‑language explanations of selected terms from the ISO/IEC 80004 vocabulary series for nanotechnologies. Published in 2017, it is intended to help stakeholders understand key definitions (for example, nanoscale, nanomaterial, nano‑object, nanocoating) so that decisions about the direction, management and application of nanotechnologies are better informed and communications are consistent.
Key topics
This TR focuses on clear explanations and examples rather than on prescriptive test methods. Core technical topics covered include:
- Nanoscale: the approximate size range 1 nm to 100 nm and related nanoscale phenomena (size- and structure-dependent effects).
- Nanotechnology: application of scientific knowledge to manipulate matter predominantly in the nanoscale.
- Nanomaterial and manufactured nanomaterial: materials with external, internal or surface dimensions in the nanoscale.
- Nano‑objects (including nanoparticles, nanofibres, nanoplates), agglomerates and aggregates.
- Nano‑enabled vs nano‑enhanced: functional performance only possible with nanotechnology versus performance intensified by nanotechnology.
- Nanocomposites, nanophase concepts.
- Nanolayer, nanocoating, nanofilm: layers and coatings with nanoscale thickness.
- Practical examples (e.g., gold nanoparticles’ colour, quantum dots, carbon nanotube composites, targeted drug delivery, water treatment membranes).
The report repeats ISO/TS definitions where useful and uses simple illustrations and examples to show relationships between terms.
Applications and practical value
ISO/TR 18401:2017 helps:
- Improve clarity in product specifications, procurement, labeling and marketing materials by using consistent terminology.
- Support regulatory and safety assessments by reducing misinterpretation of key terms used in risk and lifecycle discussions.
- Aid R&D teams and manufacturers in communicating design intent (e.g., what constitutes a nanomaterial vs conventional material).
- Assist standards developers, auditors, and quality managers when aligning documentation to the ISO/IEC 80004 vocabulary.
Real-world examples in the TR show how nanoscale properties affect optical, mechanical, chemical and electrical behavior-useful for electronics, energy, medical devices, coatings and environmental applications.
Who should use this standard
- Regulators and policymakers
- Product developers and manufacturers
- Health, safety and environmental assessors
- Standards writers and technical communicators
- Researchers, procurement officers and legal/compliance teams
Related standards
This TR explicates terms from the ISO/IEC 80004 series and references:
- ISO/TS 80004‑1, 80004‑2, 80004‑4, 80004‑11 (vocabulary parts cited in the report).