Life Cycle Aspects of Nanoproducts, Nanostructured Materials, and Nanomanufacturing: Problem Definitions, Data Gaps, and Research Needs
Chicago, Illinois: November 5-6, 2009
This workshop included individuals working in the many fields of nanotechnology, including basic research, applications, environmental implications, regulatory needs, and societal impacts.
The term NANOTECHNOLOGY is now widely employed to describe the unique properties and applications of materials in the nm size range, typically taken to be 1-100 nm. Advances in our understanding of molecular events at the atomic or near-atomic level, coupled with new methods of measurement and observation, have led to the development of new materials, products and manufacturing processes that comprise the domain of nanotechnology. Nanostructured materials are defined as small structures of controlled shape, size, composition, and function that are either end products themselves or comprise component parts of larger products or systems. Examples of industries or sectors where nanostructured materials and nanoproducts are being used today include ceramics, membranes, coatings, composites, skincare products, biotechnology, semiconductors, and thin films.
Nanomanufacturing is defined as the fabrication of nanostructured materials, and the use of nano-based methods to manufacture a product. Such methods are typically divided into two overarching categories, “top down” and “bottom up”. The former includes methods that generate nano-sized structures using techniques such as grinding, etching, cutting, lithography, and precision engineering, while the latter rely on manipulations at the atomic level such as self-assembling reactions and positional assembly.
LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS (LCA) is a method for systematically gathering data on material and energy flows involved with one or more processes and assessing the environmental impacts associated with those flows. LCA activities are undertaken for two principal reasons: first to develop information for comparative purposes when choices among designs or alternatives must be made, and second to examine a single system in order to ascertain those components, parts, or processes which are the most material or energy intensive and for which investments of resources or research might be expected to yield the greatest improvements. Thus LCA can provide a basis both for improving the performance of a given process or product, and comparing the environmental impacts of two or more alternatives.
For more information, please review the goals and objectives of the workshop.