ISO Publishes Standards Regarding Measurements of Nanoparticle Size and Shape Distribution and Polymeric Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging with Barrier Properties

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published two nanotechnology standards:

• ISO 21363:2020, “Nanotechnologies — Measurements of particle size and shape distributions by transmission electron microscopy”: The standard specifies how to capture, measure, and analyze transmission electron microscopy images to obtain particle size and shape distributions in the nanoscale.  According to ISO, the standard is broadly applicable to nano-objects, as well as to particles with sizes larger than 100 nanometers (nm).  ISO states that the exact working range of the method depends on the required uncertainty and on the performance of the transmission electron microscope.  These elements can be evaluated according to the requirements described in this document; and
• ISO/TS 21975:2020, “Nanotechnologies — Polymeric nanocomposite films for food packaging with barrier properties — Specification of characteristics and measurement methods”: The standard specifies characteristics, including barrier properties, to be measured of polymeric nanocomposite films used for improving food packaging.  ISO states that the barrier properties cover gas (oxygen), water vapor transmission, and ultraviolet (UV)-Vis light transparency.  The standard also describes the relevant measurement methods.  ISO notes that the standard addresses neither safety and health issues related to the food packaging nor environmental aspects.