ISO TR 11360-2010 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/TR 11360:2010 — Nanotechnologies. Methodology for the classification and categorization of nanomaterials. A Technical Report that defines a hierarchical, schematic classification system (the “nano‑tree”) to help describe and categorize a wide range of nanomaterials by dimensionality, structure, composition and key properties.

Abstract

ISO/TR 11360:2010 introduces a systematic, taxonomy‑style methodology (the nano‑tree) for classifying nanomaterials including nano‑objects, nanostructures and nanocomposites. The report sets out a logical hierarchy that differentiates materials by internal/external structure, dimensionality (0D, 1D, 2D, 3D), chemical nature and principal physical, chemical, mechanical, magnetic and biological properties. It is an informative guidance document intended to promote consistent terminology and improved communication across research, industry and regulatory communities.

General information

• Status: Published (Technical Report)
• Publication date: July 2010 (published 12 July 2010)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 07.120 (Nanotechnologies)
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2010)
• Number of pages: 25 (as listed by ISO Central Secretariat)

Scope

Provides an informative, non‑normative methodology for the classification and categorization of nanomaterials. The scope covers concept definitions and a structured, hierarchical representation (the nano‑tree) that places different types of nanomaterials into a common conceptual framework to support clearer communication, interoperability of data/classification systems and consistent description across scientific, industrial and regulatory activities.

Key topics and requirements

• Introduction of the “nano‑tree” classification model to represent relationships among nanomaterial concepts.
• Classification by dimensionality (e.g., nanoparticles/0D, nanofibers/nanorods/1D, nanofilms/2D, bulk/3D) and by internal/external structural features.
• Consideration of composition (elemental, molecular, composite), surface and interface characteristics, and functional properties (chemical, mechanical, optical, magnetic, biological).
• Guidance on categorizing nanocomposites and multi‑component systems within the hierarchical scheme.
• Recommendations to support metadata and reporting consistency (terminology and conceptual mapping) rather than prescriptive measurement methods.
• Informative examples illustrating how to position common nanomaterials within the nano‑tree.

Typical use and users

Used as a reference by standards developers, researchers, materials scientists, product designers, data managers, regulatory authorities and risk assessors who need a common conceptual framework for describing and cataloguing nanomaterials. It is helpful when creating databases, writing product declarations, preparing regulatory dossiers or harmonizing terminology across projects and organizations.

Related standards

ISO/TR 11360:2010 complements other ISO nanotechnology deliverables and guidance documents such as the ISO/TS and ISO/TR series on nanomaterial terminology, measurement and safety (examples include the ISO/TS and ISO/TR items on vocabulary, characterization, biological evaluation and exposure/measurement guidance). It is often used alongside ISO technical specifications and reports addressing measurement methods, safety assessment and specific nano‑object nomenclature.

Keywords

nano‑tree, classification, categorization, nanomaterials, nano‑objects, nanostructures, nanocomposites, dimensionality, taxonomy, terminology, ISO/TC 229

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TR 11360:2010 is a Technical Report from ISO/TC 229 that provides an informative methodology (the “nano‑tree”) for classifying and categorizing nanomaterials; it is not a prescriptive test method or regulatory standard.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers a conceptual classification framework that organizes nanomaterials by dimensionality, structure, composition and principal properties to promote consistent description and communication across disciplines.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Researchers, standards developers, manufacturers, regulators, risk assessors and data managers who need a common taxonomy or metadata model for describing nanomaterials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO/TR 11360:2010 remains a published Technical Report from 2010. Users should check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any updates, national adoptions or subsequent related deliverables; as of the original publication it is an active informative report rather than a normative standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ISO deliverables produced under ISO/TC 229 (Nanotechnologies) and is intended to be used alongside other ISO/TS and ISO/TR documents that address vocabulary, measurement, characterization and safety for nanomaterials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: nano‑tree; classification; categorization; nanomaterials; nano‑objects; nanostructures; nanocomposites; dimensionality; terminology; ISO/TC 229.