ISO Publishes Measurement Technique Matrix for Characterization of Nano-Objects

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently published ISO/TR 18196:2016, “Nanotechnologies — Measurement technique matrix for the characterization of nano-objects.”  The document provides a matrix intended to guide users to commercially available techniques relevant to the measurements of common physiochemical parameters for nano-objects.  Some techniques are also applicable to nanostructured materials.  As scientific advances are made and additional commercial measurement techniques become available, ISO will periodically review and update the document to maintain its relevance.  ISO notes that many of the listed techniques have not been validated through round-robin testing or any other means for the measurement of nano-objects.  ISO states that the document “is intended as a starting point and resource to help identify potentially useful and relevant techniques; it is not an exhaustive or primary source.”  ISO recommends that once a technique has been identified, the reader refer to relevant international standards and conduct a literature search for similar or comparable applications.  Other sources of information include instrument manufacturer’s applications notes and technical literature.