There have been complaints about varying quality of nanomaterials, but little in the form of anyone actually remedying the situation.
Of course, Zyvex has established their NanoSolve test, which ensures that the nanotubes tested meet Zyvexs own matrix of qualities. Once youve passed, the company then gets on the list of NanoSolve-certified companies.
However, the problem remained: every company performed different tests and would generate different data sheets on the nanotubes characteristics. Unfortunately, there was and is no standard data sheet. So, if youre a customer who wants to buy a carbon nanotube you will go to three different suppliers and get three different data sheets, effectively making it impossible for a customer to compare the suppliers.
Furthermore, some of the physical properties are difficult to measure (like electron microscopy) and no standard method exists, therefore leaving manufacturers with the problem of characterizing their material in a standardized way and the customers with the problem of how to interpret the different results.
In stepped the European NanoBusiness Association (ENA), when it launched its first workshop on Nanotube Standardization in October 2004. The ENA recently finished its second workshop and has released its most recent report of the meeting.
Great strides have already been made through these workshops. Already it has been established those things that need to be standardized and those that dont. So, nanotube producers are quickly approaching an agreed upon data sheet.
By working through the ENA carbon nanotube suppliers have gotten quickly to the issues they need to address and a plan for executing them. The end result that buyers will benefit certainly, and the suppliers will be able to ensure that no companies with poor quality materials can cheat their way into the market and sour the industry to those legitimate suppliers.