Dresden 2011 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 43: Nanoparticles and Composite Materials I

CPP 43.15: Topical Talk

Donnerstag, 17. März 2011, 18:00–18:30, ZEU 222

Are nanomaterials safe? Physico-chemical characterization for regulation and for life-cycle assessment of nanocomposites — •Wendel Wohlleben — BASF SE, Polymer Physics Research, 67056 Ludwigshafen

Nanocomposites are the dominating class of nanomaterials to come into consumer contact. For the first time, our comprehensive study addresses a systematic series of thermoplastic and cementitious nanocomposite materials with SiO2, CNT, crystal seeds as embedded nanofillers. We confirm earlier reports that 'chalking', i.e. release of pigments from weathered paints, does occur also for nanocomposites. In contrast, mechanical forces by normal consumer use or do-it-yourself sanding do not disrupte nanofillers from their matrix. Combining SEM, AUC, XPS, SIMS, diffraction we find no free nanofillers up to the detection threshold of 100 ppm. Sanding powder particles still contain the nanofillers. And yet, is there a hazard from these aerosols? We perform in vivo studies in rats and quantify physiological effects of degradation products. A summarizing risk assessment confirms that nanocomposites are indeed safe in consumer settings.

However, occupational safety against inadvertant inhalation of dust must be established by suitable methods for containment of specific nanomaterials. Physico-chemical characterization is key to identify such nanomaterials and to understand their biophysical interactions in a physiological environment.