Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced composites are promising synthetic materials for mechanical and electrical applications compatible with industrial scale-up. The present project intends to analyse production and processing procedures with respect to toxicological impact and to identify critical issues to be solved before commercialisation.
Background
Due to the strong demand of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CNT related products, the potential hazard of such materials becomes a significant concern to researchers, manufacturing industries and customers. The exact environmental and health impact of nanoparticles released into the ambient either during manufacturing or application is still unknown and a matter of debate. Most of the literature on the toxicity related to CNTs has so far focused on raw CNT powders with a view to assess their potential health and environmental risks. However, only few studies report on the toxicology of CNT reinforced nanocomposites or commercial CNT products, even though a few products have already been marketed.
Aim
Since this project targets materials science aspects as well as biological studies, an interdisciplinary approach involving three Empa Laboratories will be followed. The project-team aims to develop a technology with highly efficient standardised evaluation methods in order to identify the potential health, safety and environmental risks associated with usage of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced nanocomposites. The idea is to set up a standard platform incorporating abrasion equipment to simulate nanoparticle (NP) emission during typical machining, wear and failure processes and to assess the risks which NP composites may implicate to human health and environment.
Significance
The technological and scientific knowledge gained from the project will allow the society and Swiss industries to appraise the safety of CNT reinforced nanocomposites. Since our study focuses on CNT composite materials which are widely investigated in research and development or which have even already entered the market, we believe that our study is particularly timely and relevant to the society. The platform technology developed in this project shall establish a general procedure to analyse potential health hazards of nanocomposites in general. This will also allow industrial manufacturers to evaluate their processing procedures for nanocomposites and to adapt processes and materials in order to prevent any potential hazard. If the results hint towards major risks of using nanocomposites, dissemination, disposal or recycling should also become a serious concern.
Original title: Evaluation platform for safety and environmental risks of CNT reinforced nanocomposites
Grant: CHF 392'398.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leader
- Professor Jing Wang