Timing, hosts and locations of (grouped) events of NanoImpactNet

NanoSafetyCluster - Compendium 2012
of predictive models for the impact of nanomaterials on human
health and environment. These studies will include the LCA analysis
of nanomaterials included in polymeric host to determine their
global environmental impact. Additionally, three recycling
strategies will be considered in order to give solutions for the
recovery of innocuous nanomaterials toxic. For this purpose,
exhaustive evaluations for the selection of adequate dissolving and
extraction methods to separate the nanomaterials from the
polymeric matrix will be carried out. The strategies proposed for
the recycling process will be the following: The direct mechanical
recycling of nanocomposites, the recycling of nanomaterials and
polymers obtained by novel chemical separation techniques based
on nanofiltration using tailored nanofiber-based filters, and the
recycling of polymers and immobilization of toxic nanomaterials in
inert matrices.
1 Concept and Objectives
NANOPOLYTOX is a small-medium size collaborative project from
the FP7 within the topic NMP-2009-1.3-1: Activities towards the
development of appropriate solutions for the use, recycling and/or
final treatment of nanotechnology-based products (Joint call with
Theme 6: Environment including Climate Change).
1.1 Background
The global industry is moving forward taking advantages of the
new opportunities and prospects offered by nanotechnology;
therefore it is necessary that these developments take place in a
safe and sustainable manner. The increasing use of nanomaterials
in consumer products has raised concerns over their safety to
human health and the environment. Currently, there are major
gaps regarding to the health and environment risks presented by
the nanomaterials. During the cycle life of a nanomaterial, workers
and consumers are exposed to these materials. While workers are
exposed during the process of production and the process of
recycling or disposal of the industrial nanoproducts, consumers are
exposed during the use of the products. Moreover, sooner or later
the nanomaterials are free to enter the environment. Therefore, an
exhaustive characterization and toxicity evaluation at different
stages of the life cycle of nanomaterials used in industrial
production is required. NanoPolyTox project proposes to study the
evolution of nanomaterials physico-chemical and toxicological
properties during their life cycle to evaluate their global
environmental impact. Furthermore, NanoPolyTox studies will
include the development of innovative strategies for the recycling
and disposal of nanomaterials that are included in polymeric
matrices.
1.2 Objectives
The main goal of NanoPolyTox is to improve the understanding of
the potential environmental/health impact of nanotechnologybased
products over their life cycle. Gathering and generating data
on the possible impact on human health and/or the environmental
impact derived from the use, re-use, recycling and/or final
treatment and disposal of nanotechnology-based products
containing engineered nanoparticles. The project is focused on
after-production stages and will address the following issues for
the products considered: Physical and chemical characterization,
hazard characterization (human toxicity and ecotoxicity),
environmental and biological fate, transformation, and destiny of
nanoparticles. Additionally, this project will provide, at laboratory
scale, technological solutions for recycling and final treatment of
nanotechnology-based products.
1.2.1 Specific Objectives
- The preparation of nanomaterials from three different
families (carbon nanotubes, nanoclays and metal oxide
nanoparticles) including adequate tailoring functionalities
for their inclusion in three selected polymeric hosts
widely used in several industrial sectors
- Generation of nanocomposite samples by processing in
double screw extruders and further injection in test
specimens
- Weathering of the raw nanomaterials and the
nanocomposite test specimens in climatic chambers
- Fully characterization (physical and chemical properties)
of all the samples (raw nanomaterials and
nanocomposites) during their life cycle
- Collection of toxicological data (in vitro and in vivo
human toxicity and ecotoxicity) for selected samples to
evaluate the risks associated with their manufacturing,
use, recycling and disposal
- Development of predictive models based on the data
obtained for the evolution of the physico-chemical and
toxicological properties of the nanomaterials along their
life cycle
- Detection and quantification of possible migrations
and/or releases of the nanofillers from the polymeric
matrices, establishing a relationship between weathering
cycles and migration/release of nanomaterials
- Mechanical and chemical recycling for innocuous and
toxic nanomaterials including the development of a new,
efficient and cost effective chemical recycling technology
based on specific nanofiber filters
- Development of new solutions for the disposal of toxic
nanomaterials based on the inclusion of specific
nanofibers filters containing the toxic nanomaterials, into
xerogel matrices by sol-gel processes and sintering
- Evaluation of the global environmental impact of
nanomaterials that are highly used in many industrial
sectors during their life cycle by LCA analysis specifically
complemented with the data obtained during this project
and other European projects related to nanosafety
NanoPolyTox will provide important information on a general
concern regarding the degradability of polymer nanocomposites
and their direct impact on human health and environment. It is
expected that these results can prevent or minimize the exposure
of workers and consumers, and releases to environment of
hazardous nanomaterials.
160 Compendium of Projects in the European NanoSafety Cluster