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NMP-2007-2.1-3 Characterisation of nanostructured materials
Technical content/scope: The field of nanostructured materials has witnessed quite remarkable progress in recent years, with many different types of nanomaterials being synthesized for potentially wide industrial applications. Advanced characterisation methods to determine their structure and properties are essential for the development and processing of these nanostructured materials. Moreover, many new characterisation techniques are not well known or are unaffordable for SMEs active in nanomaterial production. European-wide efforts are needed to compile the characterisation techniques that are in use or should be developed to support further nanomaterial development, in particular, the design of intrinsically safe nanomaterials. The coordination actions should focus on the identification and co-ordination at European level of dissemination and development actions to allow researchers and nanomaterial producers, in particular SMEs, to be well aware of the state-of-the-art in characterisation tools for nanostructured materials. Harmonisation work for potential standards in the field of characterisation of nanostructured materials should also be considered.
Funding scheme: Coordination and support actions aiming at coordinating research activities.
Special features: None
Expected impact: Dissemination of novel techniques and preparation of standards in the field of nanomaterials characterisation. For example, it is very common for nanoparticles to be characterised only in terms of particle size (SEM) and reactivity (specific surface) with no consideration of the structure-properties relationship at the relevant length scale. This is even more pronounced if nanocomposites, hybrid systems and interface behaviour are considered. Increased take up of nanomaterial characterisation methods beyond using just particle size and reactivity would be expected in particular for SMEs. Development of, or preparatory work for, new standards in the field of characterisation of nanostructured materials.