Development of CNC prototype for the characterization of the nanoparticle release during physical manipulation of nanocomposites

ABSTRACT

This work focuses on the release of nanoparticles from commercially used nanocomposites during machining operations. A reliable and repeatable method was developed to assess the intentionally exposure to nanoparticles, in particular during drilling. This article presents the description and validation of results obtained from a new prototype used for the measurement and monitoring of nanoparticles in a controlled environment. This methodology was compared with the methodologies applied in other studies. Also, some preliminary experiments on drilling nanocomposites are included. Size, shape and chemical composition of the released nanoparticles were investigated in order to understand their hazard potential. No significant differences were found in the amount of nanoparticles released between samples with and without nanoadditives. Also, no chemical alteration was observed between the dust generated and the bulk material. Finally, further developments of the prototype are proposed.

KEYWORDS:

• Commercial nanocomposites
• machining
• nanosafety
• standardization

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Cristina Elizetxea and Ainhoa Egizabal (TECNALIA), and Maria Blazquez (INKOA SISTEMA) in particular and partners in SIRENA project in general for providing the samples and for all the technical support and advice.

Funding

This work is funded by SIRENA (‘Simulation of the release of nanomaterials from consumer products for environmental exposure assessment’) Project (LIFE11 ENV/ES/596). SIRENA project is the continuation of NEPHH project. The authors would like to thank the LIFE program and SIRENA project (LIFE 11 ENV/ES/596) for supporting this study.