The use of nanoparticles and nanofillers in materials such as polymer nanocomposites greatly extends their functionality and range of applications. However, the use of nanotechnology poses potential risks to human health and the environment. This book summarises key recent research in this important area. The first part of the book discusses types of nanomaterial, potential mechanisms of toxicity, exposure assessment and sampling. The second part of the book reviews the safety of particular types of nanomaterial including nanolayered silicates, carbon nanotubes and metal oxide nanomaterials.

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Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering

Preface

Part I: General introduction

1. Nanomaterials, nanofillers, and nanocomposites: types and properties

Abstract:

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Key terms and definitions

1.3 Common physical and chemical properties

1.4 Types of nanofiller

1.5 Nanocomposites: selected examples

1.6 Conclusion

1.7 Acknowledgement

1.8 References

2. Mechanisms of nanomaterial toxicity

Abstract:

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Size- and non-size-related toxicity mechanisms of nanomaterials

2.3 Mechanisms of nanomaterial-induced cellular damage mediated by oxidative stress

2.4 Mechanisms of nanomaterial-induced cellular damage independent of oxidative stress

2.5 Nanomaterial shape and toxicity: the fibre paradigm

2.6 The use of lipidomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics to understand nanomaterial toxicity

2.7 Conclusion and future trends

2.8 References

Part II: Assessment of nanomaterial release and exposure

3. Nanoparticle exposure assessment: methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis

Abstract:

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Physicochemical properties of nanomaterials relevant to exposure assessment

3.3 International standards and guidance relating to nanoparticle exposure assessment

3.4 Instrumentation for exposure assessment

3.5 Sample collection strategies for exposure assessment

3.6 Initial evaluation: identification of potential emission sources

3.7 Main evaluation: key steps

3.8 Data interpretation

3.9 Conclusion and future trends

3.10 Acknowledgement

3.11 References

4. Sampling protocols for testing the safety of polymer nanocomposites

Abstract:

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Approaches for release simulation: case studies of drilling

4.3 Simulating the release of particulate materials

4.4 Collection of samples

4.5 Characterization of samples

4.6 Sample storage and labelling

4.7 Preventing the contamination of stored samples

4.8 Sample pre-treatment before testing: use of dispersing agents, sonication, stirring and mixing

4.9 Protocol validation and standardization

4.10 Conclusion and future trends

4.11 Sources of further information and advice

4.12 References

5. Measurement and sampling techniques for characterization of airborne nanoparticles released from nano-enhanced products

Abstract:

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Identification of release scenarios of nano-sized particles from nanocomposites

5.3 Measurement of airborne nano-sized particles

5.4 Collection of airborne particles

5.5 Deficiencies of devices for measuring airborne nano-sized particles

5.6 Case study: the effect of nanoclay on dust generation during drilling of PA6 nanocomposites

5.7 Conclusion

5.8 Acknowledgement

5.9 References

6. Life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials

Abstract:

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Life cycle assessment methodology

6.3 Life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials: case studies

6.4 New developments in life cycle assessment of engineered nanomaterials

6.5 Conclusion

6.6 References

Part III: Safety of particular types of nanomaterial

7. Nanolayered silicates/clay minerals: uses and effects on health

Abstract:

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Characteristics of clay minerals

7.3 Effect of clay minerals on the environment

7.4 Toxicity of nanoclays in humans

7.5 Life cycle assessment of nanoclay-reinforced materials

7.6 Conclusion and future trends

7.7 References

8. Carbon nanotubes: properties, applications, and toxicity

Abstract:

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Physico-chemical properties of carbon nanotubes and their applications

8.3 Carbon nanotubes in nanomedicine

8.4 Carbon nanotube toxicity

8.5 Conclusion and future trends

8.6 Acknowledgements

8.7 References

9. Ecotoxicological effects of carbon nanotubes: test methods and current research

Abstract:

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Quantification of carbon nanotubes in environmentally relevant media

9.3 Methodological issues

9.4 Current research on ecotoxicological risks of nanoparticles

9.5 Future trends

9.6 Conclusion

9.7 Disclaimer

9.8 References

10. Metal oxide nanomaterials: health and environmental effects

Abstract:

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Nano-zinc oxide

10.3 Nano-titanium dioxide

10.4 Other metal oxides

10.5 Conclusion and future trends: metal oxide nanomaterial regulation and risk assessment

10.6 Sources of further information and advice

Websites for general information

Government documents

Books

10.7 References

11. Safe recycling of materials containing persistent inorganic and carbon nanoparticles

Abstract:

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Recycling of engineered nanomaterials applied in suspensions

11.3 Recycling of nanocomposites

11.4 The range of recycling options

11.5 Nanomaterials present in wastes

11.6 Release of nanoparticles linked to recycling facilities

11.7 Conclusion

11.8 References

12. Nanostructured flame retardants: performance, toxicity, and environmental impact

Abstract:

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Fabrication of polymer nanocomposites

12.3 Conventional and nanostructured flame retardants

12.4 Flame retardant behaviour of polymer nanocomposites

12.5 Synergies from combining nanostructured flame retardants

12.6 Health and environmental risks of conventional and nanostructured flame retardants

12.7 Conclusion and future trends

12.8 References

13. Thermal degradation, flammability, and potential toxicity of polymer nanocomposites

Abstract:

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Thermal degradation processes of polymers and nanocomposites

13.3 Thermal stability of nanoparticles

13.4 Instrumentation and techniques to investigate degradation products of nanocomposites

13.5 Fire toxicity of degradation products of nanocomposites and its assessment

13.6 Intrinsic toxicity of nanoparticles

13.7 Ultrafine particle production during combustion of nanocomposites

13.8 Conclusion and future trends

13.9 References

Index

Dr. James Njuguna is a Reader in Composite Materials and Structures at Robert Gordon University, UK.
Krzysztof Pielichowski is Head of the Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers at Cracow University of Technology, Poland. He is an expert in polymer (nano)technology and chemistry, particularly in the area of polymer nanocomposites with engineering polymers and hybrid organic-inorganic materials.
Huijun Zhu is Senior Toxicologist at Cranfield University, UK. Her research interests are in toxicology, in vitro toxicology, and toxicity biomarkers.