ASTM E2456-06(2012)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E2456 − 06 (Reapproved 2012)
Standard Terminology Relating to
Nanotechnology
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2456; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2.2.1 Terminology E1992 and Practice E1964 concepts
are considered, especially Sections 6.5, 7, and 8 of Practice
1.1 Nanotechnology is an emerging field; this standard
E1964.
defines the novel terminology developed for its broad multi-
3.2.2.2 Terms and nomenclature are based on observed
and interdisciplinary activities. As the needs of this area
scientific phenomena and are descriptive, distinguishable, and
develop, this standard will evolve accordingly. Its content may
have significant currency in the nanotechnology field as
be referenced or adopted, or both, in whole or in part, as
reflected in peer-reviewed articles and other objective sources.
demanded by the needs of the individual user.
These terms and names should not disrupt accepted usage in
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
other scientific and technological fields, and their preferred
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
usage should follow accepted scientific syntax.
standard.
3.2.2.3 When incorporating a term or name from a related
field,itsunderlyingmeaningisnotredefined.Modificationsare
2. Referenced Documents
minimal and are done to elucidate scientific distinctions
2.1 ASTM Standards:
required by nanotechnology practitioners.
E1964 Practice for Compiling and Writing & Terminology
3.2.2.4 When conflicting or overlapping terms and names
(Withdrawn 2007)
arise between scientific disciplines, precedence was given to
E1992 Terminology Relating to Terminology Management
the established term that has behind it a significant body of
(Withdrawn 2007)
knowledge.
3.2.2.5 The definition of a term that can have different
3. Significance and Use
meanings in different technical fields, especially those fields
3.1 This standard is intended to facilitate communication
beyond nanotechnology, is preceded by a limiting phrase, for
among members of the business, research, legal, government,
example, “in nanotechnology.”
and educational communities.
3.3 Description of Terms:
3.2 Definitions:
3.3.1 Descriptions of Terms are special purpose definitions
3.2.1 Terms and their related standard definitions in Section
intended to provide a precise understanding and interpretation
4 are intended for use uniformly and consistently in all
of standards in which they are used.
nanotechnology test methods, specifications, guides, and prac-
3.3.2 A specific description of a term is applicable to the
tices. The purpose of such use is to promote a clear under-
standard or standards in which the term is described and used.
standing and interpretation of the standards in which they are
3.3.3 Each standard in which a term is used in a specially
used.
defined manner beyond the definitions in Section 3 should list
3.2.2 Definitions of terms are written in the broadest sense
the term and its description under the subheading, descriptions
possible, consistent with the intended meaning using the
of terms.
following guidance considerations.
3.3.4 Practice E1964, Section 13, are used to guide the
contents of descriptions.
3.3.5 As nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field, it
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E56 on
will be necessary to continually reassess the terms and defini-
Nanotechnology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E56.01 on
Informatics and Terminology.
tions contained in this standard, for purposes of revision when
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2012. Published October 2012. Originally
necessary. The intent of the terms and definitions in this
approved in 2006. Last previously edition approved in 2006 as E2456 – 06. DOI:
standard is to describe materials containing features between
10.1520/E2456-06R12.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or approximately 1 and 100 nm and to differentiate those prop-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
erties different from properties found in either molecules or the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
bulk (interior) of larger, micron-sized systems.
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2456 − 06 (2012)
3.4 Discussion of Terms: nanostructured, adj—containing physically or chemically
3.4.1 Discussion sub-paragraphs are non-normative. They distinguishable components, at least one of which is na-
are used in this standard to provide explanatory information, to noscale in one or more dimensions.
DISCUSSION—While many conventional nanomaterials are distin-
clarify distinctions between the use of terms in this standard as
guished by physical or chemical characteristics, biological recognition
compared with that in other contexts or other fields of
may also be the basis for defining a nanostructure.Though this concept
technology and to suggest preferred usage of a term.
is formally contained by the word ‘chemically’ such a feature would
lead to a distinctive type of nanostructured system.
4. Terminology
nanotechnology, n—A term referring to a wide range of
agglomerate, n—in nanotechnology, a group of particles held
technologies that measure, manipulate, or incorporate mate-
together by relatively weak forces (for example, Van der
rials or features, or both, with at least one dimension
Waals or capillary), that may break apart into smaller
between approximately 1 and 100 nm. Such applications
particles upon processing, for example.
exploit the properties, distinct from bulk/macroscopic
aggregate, n—in nanotechnology, a discrete group of particles
systems, of nanoscale components.
in which the various individual components are not easily
broken apart, such as in the case of primary particles that are non-transitive nanoparticle, n— in nanotechnology, a nano-
strongly bonded together (for example, fused, sintered, or particle that does not exhibit size-related intensive proper-
metallically bonded particles). ties.
DISCUSSION—This term should be used when the subject material has
fine particle, n—in nanotechnology, a particle smaller than
stable properties that fall on a continuum that can be smoothly
about 2.5 µm and larger than about 0.1 µm in size.
extrapolated from the behavior of the bulk (larger scale) material.
DISCUSSION—Used in aerosols science to describe atmospheric aero-
Non-transitive nanoparticles are often applied in industries that exploit
sol involving particles that may be solids or liquids.
their features, such as minimal optical scattering or high surface areas,
to improve the radiation absorption, abrasion resistance or mechanical
nano, n—(1) The SI definition, a prefix used to form decimal
strength of materials.
submultiples of the SI unit “metre”, designating a factor of
-9
particle, n—in nanotechnology, a small object that behaves as
10 denoted by the symbol “n”. (2) Pertaining to things on
a whole unit in terms of its transport and properties.
a scale of approximately 1 to 100 nm. (3) A prefix referring
to an activity, material, process or device that pertains to a
transitive nanoparticle, n—in nanotechnology, a nanoparticle
field of knowledge defined by nanotechnology and nanosci-
exhibiting a size-related intensive property that differs sig-
ence.
nificantly from that observed in fine particles or bulk
nanoparticle, n—in nanotechnology, a sub-classification of materials.
ultrafine particle with lengths in two or three dimensions DISCUSSION—This term should be used when the material has
properties that emerge only on the nanoscale. It is reserved for the
greater than 0.001 µm (1 nm) and smaller than about 0.1 µm
special case of nanoscale materials which have behavior that does not
(100 nm) and which may or may not exhibit a size-related
smoothly or simply extrapolate from the bulk, and also encompasses
intensive property.
those systems which have features that respond to external forces in an
DISCUSSION—This term is a subject of controversy regarding the size
interactive manner.
range and the presence of a size-related property. Current usage
emphasizes size and not properties in the definition. The length scale
ultrafine particle, n—in nanotechnology, a particle ranging in
may be a hydrodynamic diameter or a geometric length appropriate to
size from approximately 0.1 µm (100 nm) to 0.001 µm (1
the intended use of the nanoparticle.
nm).
DISCUSSION—The term is most often used to describe aerosol
nanoscale, adj—having one or more dimensions from approxi-
particles such as those found in welding fumes and combustion
mately 1 to 100 nm.
by-products. The length scale may be measured by a particle’s
nanoscience, n—the study of nanoscale materials, processes,
geometric, aerodynamic, mobility, projected-area, or hydrodynamic
phenomena, or devices. dimension.
E2456 − 06 (2012)
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS
X1.1 About ASTM International tific knowledge through the development of award-winning
publications and world-class conferences. Through its varied
X1.1.1 ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary
programs,AIChE is a focal point for information exchange on
standards development organizations in the world-a trusted
the frontiers of chemical engineering research in such areas as
source for technical standards for materials, products, systems,
nanotechnology, sustainability, hydrogen fuels, biological and
and services. Known for their high technical quality and
environmental engineering, and chemical plant safety and
market relevancy, ASTM International standards have an
security.
important role in the information infrastructure that guides
design, manufacturing and trade in the global economy. X1.2.3 AIChE is also the incubator and ongoing supporter
of high-tech knowledge centers and industry alliances, includ-
X1.1.2 ASTMInternational,originallyknown
...