Overview
EN ISO 80004-1:2023 - Nanotechnologies: Vocabulary - Part 1: Core vocabulary defines the core terminology for nanotechnology to harmonize communication across industry, research and regulatory communities. Published jointly by ISO and endorsed by CEN (approved June 2023), this first edition consolidates and supersedes earlier technical specifications (ISO/TS 80004 parts) into a single, updated vocabulary document. It establishes foundational terms such as nanoscale, nanomaterial, nano-object, and related hierarchy concepts to support consistent use of language in nanoscience and applications.
Key topics and technical content
- Core definitions and hierarchy: Clear definitions for nanomaterial, nano-object (nanoparticle, nanofibre, nanoplate), nanostructured material and their interrelationships.
- Nanoscale boundaries: Describes the nanoscale using approximate geometric limits (introducing a lower limit of about 1 nm) and acknowledges that practical measurements and biological effects can occur outside strict boundaries.
- Descriptors beyond size: Emphasis on composition, morphology, crystalline structure and surface features that influence nanoscale phenomena (optical, magnetic, catalytic, electronic).
- Terms related to particles, assemblies and coatings: Sections covering particles and their assemblies, nano-objects with 1–3 external dimensions in the nanoscale, nanocoatings, films and membranes.
- New and revised entries: Merges prior ISO/TS parts into one document, revises the definition of nanostructure, and adds terms (for example, NOAA).
- Normative structure: Organized term sections (core terms, particles, nano-objects, nanostructured materials, coatings and supplementary terms) with bibliography and index for cross-reference.
Applications and practical value
- Standardizes communication between manufacturers, researchers, regulators, test laboratories and purchasers to reduce ambiguity in specifications and reporting.
- Supports regulation and compliance: Provides consistent terminology for policy documents, safety assessments and labeling related to nanomaterials.
- Guides R&D and product development: Helps developers describe materials (size, morphology, surface properties) and compare results across studies.
- Facilitates testing and characterization: Assists laboratories in defining measurement targets and reporting outcomes consistently.
- Useful for procurement and quality: Clarifies requirements in contracts, technical datasheets and conformity assessments.
Who should use this standard
- Industry manufacturers and material suppliers working with nanomaterials
- Research institutions and universities performing nanoscale research
- Regulatory bodies, health & safety assessors and certification organizations
- Testing and characterization laboratories
- Standards committees, technical writers and procurement teams
Related standards
- ISO 80004 series (other parts addressing specific vocabulary and measurement concepts)
- Previous ISO/TS 80004 parts (now superseded by this edition)
- IEC/ISO collaborative nanotechnology standards (ISO/TC 229, IEC/TC 113)
Keywords: EN ISO 80004-1:2023, nanotechnologies, core vocabulary, nanoscale, nanomaterial, nano-object, nanostructured material, nanocoatings, terminology, CEN.