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Monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles as reference material candidate for particle size measurements
(2020)
In order to utilize and rationally design materials at the nanoscale the reliable characterization of their physico-chemical properties is highly important, especially with respect to the assessment of their environmental or biological impact. Furthermore, the European Commission’s REACH Regulations require the registration of nanomaterials traded in quantities of at least 1 ton. Powders or dispersions where 50% (number distribution) of the constituent particles have sizes ≤ 100 nm in at least one dimension are defined as nanomaterials. This creates a need for industrial manufacturers and research or analytical service facilities to reliably characterize potential nanomaterials. Currently, BAM is developing reference nanoparticles, which shall expand the scarce list of worldwide available nano reference materials certified for particle size distribution and will also target other key parameters like shape, structure, porosity or functional properties. In this respect, materials like iron oxide or titanium dioxide are considered as candidates to complement the already available silica, Au, Ag, and polystyrene reference nanoparticles.
The thermal decomposition of iron oleate precursors in high boiling organic solvents can provide large quantities of iron oxide nanoparticles that can be varied in size and shape.[1, 2] The presence of oleic acid or other hydrophobic ligands as capping agents ensures stable dispersion in nonpolar solvents. Such monodisperse, spherical particles were synthesized at BAM and pre-characterized by electron microscopy (TEM, SEM including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) and dynamic light scattering comparing cumulants analysis and frequency power spectrum.
1. REACH regulations and nanosafety concerns create a strong need for nano reference materials with diverse properties.
2. Iron oxide nanoparticles are under development as new candidate reference material at BAM.
3. Narrow particle size distribution confirmed by light scattering and electron microscopy.
The project ProMoAM is presented. The goal of the project is to evaluate which NDT techniques or combination of techniques is suited for in-situ quality assurance in additive manufacturing of metals. To this end, also 3d-data fusion and visualization techniques are applied. Additional ex-situ NDT-techniques are used as references for defect detection and quantification. Feasability studies for NDT-techniques that are presently not applicable for in-situ use are performed as well.
The presentation gives a brief overview of the whole project and the different involved NDT-techniques.
Many studies have already shown that viruses can spread via aerosol particles. An aerosol is a mixture of air with solid or liquid particles dispersed in it. To understand the role of aerosol particles as a transmission path of SARS-CoV-2, knowledge of the different processes in an Aerosol is therefore of particular importance. With this paper, GAeF would like to contribute to a better understanding of the term “aerosol” and the relevant aerosol processes. In the context of this paper only the essential basics will be discussed. For a deeper understanding of the partly complex processes, please refer to the literature mentioned at the end of the paper.
The paper summarises a large number of studies on the formation of virus-laden aerosol particles and their spread. Based on this, it can be concluded that exhaled aerosol particles may play a prominent role in the spread of viruses in the corona pandemic. Finally, this paper discusses possible measures to reduce the spread of aerosol particles. The measures discussed are based on the current public debate including ventilation, air purifiers, HVAC systems and masks. Advice is given on the correct and sensible use of these measures.
An aerosol is always dynamic, as particles are newly formed, transported in or with the air, removed from the air or change in the airborne state. Aerosol particles have sizes between approx. 0.001 and several 100 micrometres (and not < 5 μm as currently defined in many publications) and spread relatively quickly with air currents, even over longer distances. Larger aerosol particles sink to the ground, depending on their size and density, while small aerosol particles can remain in the air for a very long time (see Section 3). Every person emits liquid aerosol particles of various sizes through breathing and when speaking, coughing and sneezing (see Section 4). If a person is infected with a virus, such as SARS-CoV-2, these aerosol particles can contain viruses that can be released into the air and inhaled by other people. SARS-CoV-2 has a size of 0.06 to 0.14 micrometres, but the exhaled liquid aerosol particles are larger. The liquid aerosol particles can shrink by evaporation, depending on the ambient conditions (see Section 3.3). Particle size is relevant for particle transport and particle separation. The highest risk of infection exists in closed indoor spaces, as aerosol particles can accumulate there.
Here in particular, appropriate measures must be taken to reduce the concentration of aerosol particles (see Section 5).
Against the background of aerosol science, the GAeF classifies the current measures to contain the pandemic as follows:
• In principle, no measure can work on its own! According to the current state of knowledge, the interaction of the most varied measures is the best way to minimise the risk of infection.
• Keeping distance is important, because with increasing distance, directly exhaled viruses are diluted and the probability of infection decreases. The often prescribed minimum distance can be used as a guide, but it should be increased and supplemented by other measures (see below), especially for longer meetings and also indoors with reduced air movement.
• Masks help to filter some of the exhaled particles (and viruses). This reduces the concentration of exhaled particles (and viruses) in a room and thus the risk of infection. It should be noted here that the exhaled aerosol particles are relatively large due to adhering moisture and can therefore also be efficiently retained by simple masks. However, since these particles shrink with longer dwell time in the room air, simple mouth-nose masks are less efficient for self-protection. Respiratory masks are required for this purpose, which show a high degree of separation even for fine particles, e.g. of classes FFP2, N95 or KN95. These are efficient for both self-protection and protection of others unless they have an exhalation valve. Masks with an exhalation valve, on the other hand, are only for self-protection and therefore contradict the solidarity concept that fellow human beings are protected by collective mask wearing. Face shields which are used without additional masks are largely useless with regard t• aerosol particles, as the air with particles (and viruses) flows unfiltered around the shields. In everyday clinical practice, facial shields are worn in addition to masks to prevent droplet infection via the mucous membranes of the eyes. Mobile or permanently installed Plexiglas barriers are also largely ineffective against the spread of aerosols indoors. These can only prevent the smallscale spread of an aerosol in the short term, e.g. in the checkout area of a supermarket, but offer no protection in the longer term. Face shields and Plexiglas panels essentially serve as spit and splash protection against large droplets.
• Outdoors, there are practically no infections caused by aerosol transmission. However, droplet infections can still occur, especially in crowds, if minimum distances are not observed and/or masks are not worn. In closed rooms, ventilation is essential to replace the exhaled air in a room with fresh air from outside. Frequent airing and cross-ventilation is just as effective as leaving the window open all the time. From an energy point of view, however, it is more efficient to ventilate the room, especially in winter. CO2 monitors can help to monitor indoor air quality. They indicate when it is necessary to ventilate and when the air in a room has been sufficiently changed during ventilation. However, they can only be used as an indicator and even if the proposed CO2 limit concentrations are met, they do not prevent direct infection by people in the immediate vicinity.
• Air purifiers can make a useful contribution to reducing the concentration of particles and viruses in a room. When procuring air purifiers, care must be taken to ensure that they are adequately dimensioned for the room and application in question in order to significantly reduce the particle and virus load. The air throughput of the unit is more important than the pure efficiency of the filter. For energy and cost reasons, the use of highly efficient filters can even be counterproductive. Permanently installed ventilation systems can also be useful, provided they filter the air to reduce the particle and virus load in a room. To avoid infections, it is advisable to operate them with 100 % fresh air if possible.
From the point of view of the Gesellschaft für Aerosolforschung, there is a considerable need for research, especially at the interdisciplinary borders to research fields of epidemiology, infectiology, virology, ventilation technology and fluid mechanics. The implementation of targeted studies should be made possible at short notice with special funding and research programmes.
This paper was written originally in German by members of the Gesellschaft für Aerosolforschung and is supported by a large number of international aerosol experts. Both the English and German version as well as all images in the paper are available for free download at the following link: https://www.info.gaef.de/positionspapier. The “Gesellschaft für Aerosolforschung e. V.” must be named as the source, whenever an image is used.
Fluorometric sensing is a versatile approach for trace analysis outside of the laboratory, requiring suitable sensor materials and their integration into sensing devices. The versatility of fluorophores as probes, especially in terms of the possibility to tailor their optical as well as their recognition properties by synthetic modifications in a wide range, renders them as superior active component for the preparation of optical sensing devices. Recent works at BAM in this field include, for example, the detection of nerve gas agents, illustrating impressively the aforementioned benefits of fluorophores in optical sensing applications.
In the interdisciplinary project presented here, we target hazardous gases such as ammonia, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide, next to others, which pose a major threat to human health and environmental safety and for which the availability of a sensitive and reliable detection method is highly desirable. The dyes presented follow a “turn-on” fluorescence schematic, which allows for the selective and sensitive detection of the respective gaseous analyte. The immobilization of the probe in polymeric matrices is then the next step toward the fabrication of a prototype device for molecular sensing. Further steps in the project include the assembly of instruments for test-atmosphere generation, the referencing of the sensor system, development and implementation of an optical setup, and the testing of the prototype device under laboratory conditions and in the field.
In this presentation, we give an overview over the recent developments on this topic in our groups. Highlights are hydrogen sulfide sensitive, BODIPY based transition metal complexes, which allow for a sensitive as well as selective detection of the toxic gas. In addition, we present a novel class of highly substituted BODIPY derivatives – pocket-BODIPYs – which are of a synthetically high versatility and can readily be modified to create pockets in the periphery of the molecule of defined geometries. This is illustrated on the successful encapsulation of benzene by a pocket-BODIPY derivative, confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis as well as by further spectroscopic and analytical methods.
Sintered bioactive glass scaffolds of defined shape and porosity, e.g. made via additive manufacturing, must provide sufficient bioactivity and sinterability. As higher bioactivity is often linked to high corrosion and crystallization tendency, a certain compromise between sintering ability and bioactivity is therefore required. Groh et al. developed a fluoride-containing bioactive glass (F3), which allows fiber drawing and shows a bioactivity well comparable to that of Bioglass®45S5.
To study whether and to what extent the sinterability of F3 glass powder is controlled by particle size, coarse and fine F3 glass powders (300-310µm and 0-32µm) were prepared by crushing, sieving and milling. Sintering, degassing and phase transformation during heating were studied with heating microscopy, vacuum hot extraction (VHE), DTA, XRD, and SEM.
For the coarse glass powder, sintering proceeds slowly and is limited by surface crystallization of primary Na2CaSi2O6 crystals. Although the crystallization onset of Na2CaSi2O6 is shifted to lower temperature, full densification is attained for the fine powder. This finding indicate that certain porosity might be tuned via particle size variation. Above 900°C, intensive foaming is evident for the fine powder. VHE studies revealed that carbon species are the main foaming source.
One criterion to evaluate the odour of a sample is perceived
intensity П which is evaluated with the aid of a comparative scale. The procedure is well accepted but also time consuming and extensive. The study should help simplify the testing procedure by asking the panel members to only indicate whether a sample is perceived as less to equally intense or of greater intensity in comparison to a given acetone concentration of 7 pi on the comparative scale. In Germany a value of 7 pi is required for products to be suitable for the indoor use. The results show that the simplified test is basically suitable.
Healthy and energy efficient buildings must be free from disturbing odours. Odour emissions from building materials can be measured with the well-known and accepted standard ISO 16000-28 “Indoor air – Part 28: Determination of odour emissions from building products using test chambers”. For commonly used emission test chambers the sample air is collected in containers (bags) and presented to a group of panel members for the purpose of evaluating the odour. A standard sets requirements for the on-demand presentation in detail. These include the validation procedure for container materials, pre-treatment of bags, details on storage of filled bags and how to carry out the measurements. However, although these measures are proven in practice, incorrect measurements are still possible. Also errors can occur due to a very complex measurement procedure. So, there is a great need for research into how the odour samples are presented.
The proposal planned to be presented will introduce a new development in sample provision by using an adapter which enables collection and provision of sample air without storage or transport of bags. The adapter is a sample container which is permanently positioned on the emission test chamber´s outlet and continuously filled with sample air flowing through it. The flow is briefly interrupted at the time when a sample is taken by a panel member for the test.
The size of the container is sufficient to provide enough sample air for evaluation by at least one panel member via a funnel. Since sampling and presentation are technically connected, it means you can almost do away with storage or transportation and thus it can be presented almost unchanged to the panelmembers. The aim is to reduce measurement errors in the odour samples provision process and the improvement of measurement reproducibility. The paper presents the construction of the adapter as well as the results of emission and odour tests carried out so far.
Indoor air quality is affected by the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) or the odour from building products. Odours can be measured by applying the standard ISO 16000-28:2020.
In the study presented here proposals for further technical development of the ISO method are presented. The sampling procedure and evaluation
method of the perceived intensity are investigated in particular because they have a major influence on reproducibility of measurement results.
Data for the publication "The role of extracellular polymeric substances of fungal biofilms in mineral attachment and weathering" (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00253-1). It includes:
- The Summary of the EPS concentration, EPS sugar components and EPS linkages.
- The Summary of the XPS analysis of freeze-dried biofilm samples of all strains.
- The Summary of the pH, Mg, SI and Fe concentration, biomass and olivine dissolution rate for each time point of all dissolution experiments.
In 1981 the OECD published the Test Guideline on Particle size and size distribution. This TG is still a valid document for the measurement of particles all over the world.
When nanomaterials gained importance, ISO set up a technical commitee for Nanotechnologies in 2005 and the OECD followed this step in 2006 with the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials.
In the following years ISO and OECD published several documents about nanomaterials and the systematisation developed.
In 2017 it was finally clear that nanomaterials need to be adressed in another way than chemicals and in 2020 ECHA revised the REACH-Annexes accordingly and included nanomaterials.
Unfortunately there is a little problem with this: Only a few applicable test guidelines exit for the measurement of the nanomaterials. Several test guidelines date from 1981 and do not address nanomaterials.
The logical next step for the OECD would be to publish a series of test guidelines which are indeed currently prepared and will be shown in this talk.
Finally there is an additional need for the future of NM standardisation: Digitalisation.
The properties of nanomaterials are influenced not only by their chemical composition but also by physical properties (such as size, geometry and crystal structure). For the reliable determination and assessment of behaviour and effects of nanomaterials as well as for the determination of the exposure of humans and environment a comprehensive physical-chemical characterization of nanomaterials is essential. This is an important prerequisite to identify them as nanomaterials and to interpret and compare test results and - in future – to forecast interaction and effects of nanomaterials.
In 2006, the OECD launched a sponsorship program for the testing of nanomaterials in which 11 nanomaterials were thoroughly investigated using a variety of methods. The aim of the project was, among other things, to find out where problems occur and where there are gaps in the measurement and test procedures and where are changes required. An important outcome of the sponsorship program was the finding that the OECD Test Guidelines should in several cases be extended to the specific needs in testing of nanomaterials. The existing standardized test methods of the OECD for physical-chemical characterization have not been developed for nanomaterials in particular. A high demand for an extension of the test guidelines was identified. Germany complied with the OECD's request in 2017 and has agreed to extend the “Test Guideline on Particle Size Distribution / Fiber Length and Diameter Distributions Test Guideline” for Manufactured Nanomaterials (MN). UBA commissioned BAM and BAuA with the preparation of the Test Guideline. The aim of the project is the development of a harmonized test protocol for a valid and reproducible determination of particle size and size distribution which is one of the most relevant physical-chemical properties for MNs.
Different measuring methods provide different results for the size distribution of the particles. This is caused by the different measuring principles of the methods. Each method measures a specific parameter that ultimately determines particle size. First, the measured quantity differs for each method (Scattered light intensity, 2D image / projection, electric mobility, etc.). Second, the calculated diameters of the MN may differ (Feret Diameter, Area Projection, Mobility Diameter, Aerodynamic Diameter, Hydrodynamic Diameter). Third, a measuring method provides a size distribution which is measured either mass-based, surface-based or number-based. A conversion between the results requires additional parameters and thus possibly increases the measurement error.
In addition to the technical differences, the individual parameters are strongly influenced by the structure and material of the nanoparticles. For example, a surface functionalization can lead to very different results in the size distribution. The suitability of measurement methods differs with the material of the MN. As a result, two very different results can be measured for the particle size distribution using two different methods, which are nevertheless both correct. Several large projects in recent years therefore concluded that nanomaterials should be characterized by at least two complementary method. Imaging techniques are regarded as one of these methods for the characterization, the complementary methods are supposed to be statistical methods.
The different results for the size distribution of nanomaterials become problematic for the registration of new MN. A comparable and reproducible size distribution is a prerequisite for a standardized registration. In the future, the particle size distribution in the EU will also decide on the classification of a substance as a nanomaterial or as a non-nanomaterial. Especially in borderline cases, a standardized and comparable measurement methodology is therefore essential.
The intention of the presentation is to inspire a discussion on the needs and challenges for the digitalisation of SOPs. SOPs are available for the disciplines of physical-chemical characterisation, for toxicology, for environmental applications and for exposure applications. Furthermore the SOPs need to be integrated in the regulatory framework and need to be detailed enough for the digital processing. This is highlighted in this presentation.
This presentation was held in an OECD Webinar introducing the newly developed and published OECD TG 125 on particle size and size distribution. The presentation is explaining the structure if the TG 125 and addresses all included methods and methodologies in a short and understandable way for the broader public. The presentation includes sections about nano-particles and nano-fibres.
The properties of nanomaterials are influenced not only by their chemical composition but also by physical properties (such as size, geometry and crystal structure). For the reliable determination and assessment of behaviour and effects of nanomaterials as well as for the determination of the exposure of humans and environment a comprehensive physical-chemical characterization of nanomaterials is essential. This is an important prerequisite to identify them as nanomaterials and to interpret and compare test results and - in future – to forecast interaction and effects of nanomaterials.
In 2006, the OECD launched a sponsorship program for the testing of nanomaterials in which 11 nanomaterials were thoroughly investigated using a variety of methods. The aim of the project was, among other things, to find out where problems occur and where there are gaps in the measurement and test procedures and where are changes required. An important outcome of the sponsorship program was the finding that the OECD Test Guidelines should in several cases be extended to the specific needs in testing of nanomaterials. The existing standardized test methods of the OECD for physical-chemical characterization have not been developed for nanomaterials in particular. A high demand for an extension of the test guidelines was identified. Germany complied with the OECD's request in 2017 and has agreed to extend the “Test Guideline on Particle Size Distribution / Fiber Length and Diameter Distributions Test Guideline” for Manufactured Nanomaterials (MN). UBA commissioned BAM and BAuA with the preparation of the Test Guideline. The aim of the project is the development of a harmonized test protocol for a valid and reproducible determination of particle size and size distribution which is one of the most relevant physical-chemical properties for MNs.
Different measuring methods provide different results for the size distribution of the particles. This is caused by the different measuring principles of the methods. Each method measures a specific parameter that ultimately determines particle size. First, the measured quantity differs for each method (Scattered light intensity, 2D image / projection, electric mobility, etc.). Second, the calculated diameters of the MN may differ (Feret Diameter, Area Projection, Mobility Diameter, Aerodynamic Diameter, Hydrodynamic Diameter). Third, a measuring method provides a size distribution which is measured either mass-based, surface-based or number-based. A conversion between the results requires additional parameters and thus possibly increases the measurement error.
In addition to the technical differences, the individual parameters are strongly influenced by the structure and material of the nanoparticles. For example, a surface functionalization can lead to very different results in the size distribution. The suitability of measurement methods differs with the material of the MN. As a result, two very different results can be measured for the particle size distribution using two different methods, which are nevertheless both correct. Several large projects in recent years therefore concluded that nanomaterials should be characterized by at least two complementary method. Imaging techniques are regarded as one of these methods for the characterization, the complementary methods are supposed to be statistical methods.
The different results for the size distribution of nanomaterials become problematic for the registration of new MN. A comparable and reproducible size distribution is a prerequisite for a standardized registration. In the future, the particle size distribution in the EU will also decide on the classification of a substance as a nanomaterial or as a non-nanomaterial. Especially in borderline cases, a standardized and comparable measurement methodology is therefore essential.
The OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) has actively worked towards understanding possible safety issues for manufactured nanomaterials and has contributed significantly to resolving these by developing Test Guidelines, Guidance Documents, Test Reports and other publications with the aim of a safe use of manufactured nanomaterials. To address the specific needs of manufactured nanomaterials, the OECD Test Guideline No. 110 “Particle Size Distribution/Fibre Length and Diameter Distributions” was identified as one of the test guidelines (TGs) to require an update. The current TG 110 (adopted in 1981) is only valid for particles and fibres with sizes above 250 nm. The WPMN prioritised to either update TG 110 to be applicable also to particles at the nanoscale or draft a new nanomaterial specific (TG).
Eventually, it was decided to develop a new TG that covers the size range from 1 nm to 1000 nm, intended for particle size and particle size distribution measurements of nanomaterials. Paragraph 11 provides further justification on the need for such measurements for nanomaterials. This TG overlaps with TG 110 in the size range from 250 nm to 1000 nm. When measuring particulate or fibrous materials, the appropriate TG should be selected depending on the size range of particles tested. In line with TG 110, the new TG for nanomaterials includes separate parts for particles and fibres.
For the part of this TG which addresses particles, several methods applicable to nanomaterials were reviewed and included to take into account developments since 1981 when the TG 110 was adopted. This TG includes the following methods: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Centrifugal Liquid Sedimentation (CLS)/Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Differential Mobility Analysis System (DMAS), (Nano)Particle Tracking Analysis (PTA/NTA), Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The method Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS) could not be sufficiently validated within the interlaboratory comparison (ILC) carried out for the different methods in this TG (see also paragraph 6 for further details on the ILC). Applicability of sp-ICP-MS is strongly limited to nanomaterials with high mass values in combination with a sufficiently high particle size. However, the general method ICP-MS is widely used and the sp-mode for the size measurement of specific nanomaterials was successfully performed in ILCs elsewhere. The method is therefore included in the Appendix Part C of this TG, which further details the limitations of sp-ICP-MS.
For measuring the diameter and length of fibres, analysing images captured with electron microscopy is currently the only method available. This TG includes Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
To test the validity of this TG, an ILC was performed. Test materials were chosen to reflect a broad range of nanomaterial classes, e.g. metals, metal oxides, polymers and carbon materials. Where possible, well-characterised test materials were used.
Additionally, the test materials were chosen to reflect a broad range of sizes representing the size range 1 nm to 1000 nm. Specifically for fibres, a broad range of aspect ratios was included (length/diameter of 3 to > 50). Some of the test materials used are commercially available and further references are given in the validation report of the ILC. Sample preparation for physical chemical characterisation is critical for all listed methods. Due to the differences between individual nanomaterials and due to the wide range of individual material properties it is impossible to have a generic protocol to obtain the best possible sample preparation for every nanomaterial. Therefore, a generic protocol on sample preparation is not part of this TG. Information on sample preparation is given in the paragraphs 25-29, 33, 34 and 39 for particles and in paragraphs 159) for fibres. Further information on sample preparation of nanomaterials for physical chemical characterisation can be found in the OECD Guidance on Sample Preparation and Dosimetry for the Safety Testing of Manufactured Nanomaterials and elsewhere.
Final Draft of the OECD Test Guideline for Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution of Nanomaterials.
The OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) has actively worked towards understanding possible safety issues for manufactured nanomaterials and has contributed significantly to resolving these by developing Test Guidelines, Guidance Documents, Test Reports and other publications with the aim of a safe use of manufactured nanomaterials. The OECD website (www.oecd.org/science/nanosafety) and the referenced publications contain more background information.
Among others, the OECD Test Guideline “Particle Size Distribution/Fibre Length and Diameter Distributions” (TG 110, adopted in 1981) was identified to require an update to address the specific needs of manufactured nanomaterials as the TG 110 is currently only valid for particles and fibres with sizes above 250 nm. The WPMN prioritised to either update TG 110 to be applicable also to particles at the nanoscale or draft a new nanomaterial specific Test Guideline (TG). Eventually, it was decided to develop a new TG for particle size and particle size distribution measurements of nanomaterials covering the size range from 1 nm to 1000 nm for further justification. This TG overlaps with TG 110 in the size range from 250 nm to 1000 nm. When measuring particulate or fibrous materials, the appropriate TG should be selected depending on the size range of particles tested. In line with TG 110, the new TG for nanomaterials includes separate parts for particles and fibres. For the part of this TG which addresses particles, several methods applicable to nanomaterials were reviewed and included to take into account developments since 1981 when the TG110 was adopted. This TG includes the following methods: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Centrifugal Liquid Sedimentation (CLS)/Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Differential Mobility Analysis System (DMAS), (Nano)Particle Tracking Analysis (PTA/NTA), Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
For measuring the diameter and length of fibres, analysing images captured with electron microscopy is currently the only method available. This TG includes Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
To test the validity of this TG, an ILC was performed. Test materials were chosen to reflect a broad 68 range of nanomaterial classes, e.g. metals, metal oxides, polymers and carbon materials. Where possible, well-characterised test materials were used. Additionally, the test materials were chosen, so that they reflect a broad range of sizes representing the size range 1 nm to 1000 nm and finally,
for fibres only, aspect ratios from length/diameter of 3 to > 50.
EN 16516 sets the test method and requirements for the determination of emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from building materials into indoor air. To address the quality control requirements for the class of semi-VOCs (SVOCs), VSL developed gaseous reference materials. A novel home-made dynamic gas mixture preparation system, operating according to ISO 6145-4 (continuous injection method), has recently been developed and validated. Thanks to the stable temperature control up to 100 oC, the system can prevent condensation of the SVOCs in air at indoor air concentration levels. The in-situ obtained SVOC gas standards can be sampled in sorbent tubes to obtain SVOC transfer standards. A study was performed to determine the optimal sorbent material and storage conditions. This study will be presented together with the results of the 2018 Round Robin test for emission test chamber measurements organised by BAM. Using the novel system, VSL prepared transfer standards with known amounts of VOCs and SVOCs for participants to evaluate their analytical performance.
Textile floor coverings are often used in offices and residential buildings. Large areas like meeting rooms, cinemas, theaters and hotels are often equipped with such coverings. They contribute to the comfort of the users as they provide high pedaling comfort and sound absorption. The weakness of these building materials is due to the odor emission that is released from the floor covering, which affects the comfort of the users. A bad air quality and the resulting dissatisfaction can lead to lower employee productivity. The research project of the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (HTW-Berlin) is promoted by the German Environment Agency (UBA). The project has the following title: Low-emission and low-odor building products for energy-efficient buildings - Development of requirements and concepts for the Blue Angel from a climate protection perspective; investigates the emission and odor behavior of textile floor coverings (Emissions- und geruchsarme Bauprodukte für energieeffiziente Gebäude - Entwicklung von Anforderungen und Konzepten für den Blauen Engel aus Klimaschutzsicht; untersucht das Emissions- und Geruchsverhalten textiler Bodenbeläge).
The BAM Data Store
(2023)
As a partner in several NFDI consortia, the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM, German federal institute for materials science and testing) contributes to research data standardization efforts in various domains of materials science and engineering (MSE). To implement a central research data management (RDM) infrastructure that meets the requirements of MSE groups at BAM, we initiated the Data Store pilot project in 2021. The resulting infrastructure should enable researchers to digitally document research processes and store related data in a standardized and interoperable manner. As a software solution, we chose openBIS, an open-source framework that is increasingly being used for RDM in MSE communities.
The pilot project was conducted for one year with five research groups across different organizational units and MSE disciplines. The main results are presented for the use case “nanoPlattform”. The group registered experimental steps and linked associated instruments and chemicals in the Data Store to ensure full traceability of data related to the synthesis of ~400 nanomaterials. The system also supported researchers in implementing RDM practices in their workflows, e.g., by automating data import and documentation and by integrating infrastructure for data analysis.
Based on the promising results of the pilot phase, we will roll out the Data Store as the central RDM infrastructure of BAM starting in 2023. We further aim to develop openBIS plugins, metadata standards, and RDM workflows to contribute to the openBIS community and to foster RDM in MSE.