Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards ( VAMAS ) and its Role in Nanotechnology Standardization

This chapter describes some of the benefits of standards in facilitating commerce and safety in the area of emerging nanomaterials. It describes how prenormative, interlaboratory testing on nanoparticles can accelerate the development of both physical and documentary standards, which directly impact commerce in these new and valuable materials. In particular, it will show how VAMAS (the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards) helps in the standardization process by bringing together international experts in the science and technology of nanomaterials.