Overview
ISO 17200:2020 - Nanotechnology - Nanoparticles in powder form - Characteristics and measurements - is an international standard that defines the fundamental characteristics to measure for engineered nanoparticles supplied as powders. The standard specifies which size, chemical composition and surface area parameters to report and recommends measurement methods (but does not provide exhaustive, step‑by‑step protocols). ISO 17200:2020 is intended to improve communication among consumers, regulators and industry about nanoparticle characteristics; it applies to coated and uncoated nanoparticles and is generic across metals, carbon materials, polymers and commonly to calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide.
Key Topics
- Characteristics to measure
- Chemical composition (mass fraction of major compounds; % mass fraction)
- Crystallographic components content (when multiple crystal forms exist)
- Specific surface area (surface area per mass)
- Diameter of primary particle (area-equivalent diameter or Feret-based)
- Crystallite size
- Recommended measurement methods
- Chemical analysis: titrimetry, gravimetry, XRF, ICP–OES, NMR, XPS, SIMS, EDX, UV/Vis/NIR, TG (standards referenced)
- X‑ray diffraction (XRD) for crystallographic components and crystallite size
- Gas adsorption (BET method) for specific surface area (results in m2/g)
- Electron microscopy (TEM, SEM, STEM) for primary particle diameter
- Reporting and units
- Results in SI units or accepted multiples (e.g., nm, g)
- Includes guidance on sampling, sample preparation and test report content
- Scope limits
- Excludes application-specific characteristics and detailed measurement protocols
- Excludes health, safety and environmental characteristics
Applications
ISO 17200:2020 is a practical reference for:
- Materials and nanomaterials manufacturers documenting particle size distribution, surface area and chemical content of nanopowders
- Analytical and testing laboratories standardizing measurement methods (TEM/SEM/STEM, XRD, BET)
- Regulators and certification bodies assessing product information consistency
- Product developers and quality managers who need reproducible nanoparticle characterization for formulation, labeling and supply‑chain communication
Who would use this standard
- Nanotechnology and advanced materials manufacturers
- Quality control and R&D laboratories
- Regulatory agencies and conformity assessment bodies
- Consultants and service providers in particle characterization
Related standards
Relevant cross‑references include:
Keywords: ISO 17200:2020, nanoparticles in powder form, particle size, specific surface area, chemical composition, XRD, TEM, SEM, BET, nanotechnology standard, measurement methods.