Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Testing and Research have concluded that single carbon nanotubes are released from epoxy-based nanocomposites during industrial abrasion processes, which has implications for occupational safety standards.
The scientists simulating the sanding of an epoxy-carbon nanotubes nanocomposite widely used in industrial applications, found that the abrasion process resulted in the release of individual carbon nanotubes into the environment, as well as bundles and agglomerates of particles.
Whilst previous studies have demonstrated the release of larger groups of particles, this is the first to demonstrate the release of single nanotubes from this material. The authors state that this indicates the need for high occupational safety standards in relevant industrial settings to minimise the exposure of workers.
These results contribute to ongoing research efforts to assess the risk of nanomaterials to health and the environment (CW Briefing June 2012). The study is published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.
Fonte: Chemical Watch
