Standard Outlines Vocabulary for Nanotechnology
ASTM International has published the first known consensus-based standard defining a common technical language for the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. The issuance of ASTM E2456-06, Standard Terminology Relating to Nanotechnology, has the agreement of a range of experts, and it provides precisely defined vocabulary for the burgeoning nanotechnology industry.
ASTM International has published the first known consensus-based standard defining a common technical language for the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. The issuance of ASTM E2456-06, Standard Terminology Relating to Nanotechnology, has the agreement of a range of experts, and it provides precisely defined vocabulary for the burgeoning nanotechnology industry.
Nanotechnology is the ability to build products of any size with atomic precision and the projected ability to make things from the bottom up, using techniques and tools being developed today to place every atom and molecule in a desired place.
The technology is expected to usher significant advances in energy, medicine, information technology, and other areas, and it cuts across many disciplines, from applied physics and biology to chemistry and colloidal science. A common and widely accepted terminology that researchers and developers can use to communicate the diverse needs of nanotechnology is essential to support this rapidly advancing field.
The standard establishes terminology for such fundamental terms as nano-, nanotechnology, nanoscale and nanoparticle. In addition to providing a specific, shared vocabulary among scientists, an agreed-upon terminology also helps to foster a common understanding among consumers as nano products enter the marketplace.
The standard is available as a free download from ANSI at
http://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/find.asp?find_spec=ASTM+E2456-06 and from
www.astm.org.
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