NANOSUSTAIN

Development of sustainable solutions for nanotechnology-based products based on hazard characterization and LCA

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Objective of the NanoSustain project is to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable design, use, recycling and final treatment of nanotechnology-based products This will be achieved by a comprehensive data gathering and generation of relevant missing data, as well as their evaluation and validation, for specific nanoproducts or product groups in relation to their human health and environmental hazards and possible impacts that may occur during after-production stages. Although production of nanomaterials is rapidly increasing, our knowledge about possible health and environmental effects associated with these materials is still rather poor. This lack of knowledge calls for more research. Due to their small size, nanoparticles behave different than their chemical analogues. They can be taken up easily and in a unique way with possible adverse effects in man and organisms. Assessing their hazard is complex and needs new approaches and a close international cooperation. NanoSustain will address the questions, (1) how and to what degree society and the environment will be exposed to nanomaterials and associated products, and (2) where do these particles end up? Expected results will improve our present knowledge on the impact and fate of these particles after entering economic and natural cycles. NanoSustain has mobilized the critical mass of expertise, resources and skills to tackle this complex issue. Based on results from hazard characterization, impact assessment and LCA, we will explore on a lab-scale new solutions for the design of selected nanomaterials and associated products and their sustainable use, recycling and final treatment. As the concerned nanotech industry will actively participate in the planned project, NanoSustain will set the ground for the development of new sustainable products and industrial applications, and hence help to strengthen competitiveness of the European nanotechnology industry.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Nanomaterials are ubiquitous, changing the face of consumer products from electronics to automobiles. Scientists have now begun the process of classifying them in standardised ways for safety and hazard analysis.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The use of nanomaterials has outpaced the realistic analysis of risks associated with their release into the environment during production, use and disposal. Now the EU-funded project http://www.nanosustain.eu (NANOSUSTAIN) has answered critical questions regarding the safety of three key engineered nanomaterials (ENs) and a naturally derived nanomaterial. These refer to titanium oxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as well as nanocellulose, a naturally-derived nanomaterial with growing application.

Intensive research resulted in the creation of two extensive databases on materials and related literature as well as an online framework for collection, analysis and evaluation. Standard Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) were prepared for the four nanomaterials as were standardised protocols for laboratory characterisation to ensure valid comparison of data.

Nanomaterials' behaviour is closely related to their physicochemical form and surface properties, not composition or concentration alone. This means that a given EN composition is not in and of itself universally hazardous. In the current study, any human toxicity associated with free nanoparticles of all compositions except nano-ZnO was masked or completely eliminated through matrix embedment. Only nano-ZnO showed some eco-toxicity.

Besides studying safe treatment of end-of-life nanomaterials, researchers conducted life cycle analyses of four common products made from the selected nanomaterials. Both benefits and disadvantages were identified leading to formulation of guidelines for careful design and enhanced recyclability.

Incorporating NANOSUSTAIN results will help industrial partners reduce risks to people and the environment as well as reduce materials and energy consumption. Implementation of standards and continued creation of MSDSs for novel nanomaterials should positively impact new material and product development and safety.