Exposures to Nanoscale Particles and Fibers during Handling, Processing, and Machining of Nanocomposites and Nano- Engineered Composites Reinforced with Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

Engineering of advanced hybrid composites wherein aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are integrated into polymer matrices of existing fibrous materials is growing in research labs around the world. Real concerns exist about possible exposures of researchers and laboratory personnel to CNTs, fibers (respirable and nanoscale) and nanoparticles during handling of nanomaterials, as well as during synthesis, processing, post-processing, and machining of these composites. Exposures to nanoparticles, CNTs and fibers, may lead to adverse health effects, one major concern being cancer. This paper will bring to the attention of material scientists and engineers several potential exposure scenarios associated with handling, processing, or post-processing of advanced composites, health concerns around such exposures. New exposure monitoring results focusing on abrasive drilling will be presented to balance prior work on cutting. Exposure scenarios and their study is a critical step in establishing large-scale manufacturing processes.