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Abstract:

Nanotechnology is a powerful technological basis for the design of materials for various areas of application. It is becoming increasingly important in our complex world and a growing number of applications are proving its high-performance capacity on a regular basis. Today, its unique ability to define materials and structures at the nanometer scale opens up new opportunities to tackle some of the most pressing challenges. In this review, we discuss key examples of nanotechnology's contributions to microplastics, packaging and textiles, all three of which have proven to be omnipresent and particularly transformative.

We present current approaches to characterizing and addressing the challenge of microplastics, explain concepts of sustainable packaging solutions and demonstrate the applicability of improved textile materials. In all three areas, key examples will be given of how nanotechnology as an enabling technology can pave the way to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

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The review article recently published in the journal "Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management" entitled "Environmental considerations and current status of grouping and regulation of engineered nanomaterials" provides an overview of the current state of nanotechnology with a focus on applications and associated environmental aspects and legislation.
Using the example of nanomaterials in infrastructure (construction, building coatings and water treatment), the release of nanomaterials during their life cycle will be discussed in particular. The challenges associated with the European Commission's definition of "nanomaterial" and the revised REACH information requirements to enable a comprehensive risk assessment of nanomaterials will also be outlined.

© Fraunhofer ISC

(This article with overview character results from selected presentations of the 3rd BfR-Fraunhofer Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology on April 9/10, 2019 at Fraunhofer IGB in Stuttgart)

The integration of engineered nanomaterials into consumer and industrial products creates new challenges and requires innovative approaches to nanotechnology design, testing, reliability, and safety. The recent review article titled "Analytical and toxicological aspects of nanomaterials in different product groups: Challenges and opportunities" provides an overview of different product groups in which nanomaterials are found and also outlines safety aspects for consumers.

© Fraunhofer ISC

(This article with overview character results from selected presentations of the 3rd BfR-Fraunhofer Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology on April 9/10, 2019 at Fraunhofer IGB in Stuttgart)

Horizon Europe is the EU's key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of € 95.5 billion. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU's competitiveness and growth. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports creating and better dispersing of excellent knowledge and technologies. It creates jobs, fully engages the EU's talent pool, boosts economic growth, promotes industrial competitiveness and optimises investment impact within a strengthened European Research Area.

Legal entities from the EU and associated countries can participate.

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EU Research & Innovation Programme 2021-2027 (PDF, 2 MB, Brochure)

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Since June 1st, 2020 Dr. Carsten Gellermann from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Wuerzburg is the new head of the office and deputy speaker.

From February 1st until May 31, 2020 Dr. Karl Mandel from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Wuerzburg was the managing director and deputy spokesman. Dr. Karl Mandel had received and accepted a professorship at FAU Erlangen.

Dr. Karl-Heinz Haas, who had held this function for more than 15 years, goes into the rest phase of his partial retirement, but is still available for questions. The member institutes of Fraunhofer Nanotechnology FNT would like to thank him for this special commitment.