Nov. 30, 2005 – The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) announced it has begun work on a new standard, “Standard Methods for the Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes Used as Additives in Bulk Materials”. Known as IEEE P1690, the standard is expected to be the first to define methods for testing carbon nanotube additives and how to report the resulting performance data.

“This standard should aid the acceptance and diffusion of carbon nanotube technology,” said Krishna Kalyanasundaram, chair of the Carbon Nanotube Characterization Working Group, in a prepared statement. “It will help nanotube producers characterize purity, dispersion and other properties and also give end users confidence in evaluating carbon nanotubes from different sources. IEEE P1690 will apply to nanotubes independent of how they were fabricated.”

The IEEE said the standard will recommend instruments and procedures for validating nanotube purity, concentration, dispersion rate, agglomeration and other properties. In the area of purity, for instance, it will address the presence of non-carbon substances, such as metal catalysts and carbon-like molecules. It will give material suppliers a structure for providing data and offer guidance on proper levels for dispersion and agglomeration, which affect nanotube dispersion shelf life.

“The P1690 Working Group has undertaken the task of developing a standard that will serve as the model for future nanoscale materials-related standards,” said Dan Gamota, chair of the IEEE Nanotechnology Council Standards Committee, in a prepared statement. “Krishna has the strong support of the IEEE Nanotechnology Council Standards Committee to lead this working group as it drafts one of the most critical standards along the nanotechnology value chain.”