EIROS. Project deliverable report D1.3 Initial report on the nano-related EIROS safety

Nanotechnology is one of the key enabling technologies supporting innovation in the 21st
century. The field is growing rapidly, boosted by major national investments and commercial
opportunities promising the development of new materials, processes and products utilising
novel properties at the nanoscale. Whilst emerging technologies and cutting edge science
provide opportunities they also carry risk, with uncertainties in the understanding of how
these risks impact on human health and the environment. Innovation from effective
exploitation of new technologies requires that these uncertainties are better understood and
minimised through proportionate actions based on emerging evidence. Mitigating the
potential risks to workers, consumers, and the environment is essential for the successful
exploitation and commercialisation of research, new processes, technologies and products.
The EIROS project aims to develop self‐renewing, erosion resistant and anti‐icing materials for
composite aerofoils and composite structures that can be adapted for different industrial
applications, specifically: wind turbine blades and aerospace wing leading edges, cryogenic
tanks and automotive facia. The addition of novel multi‐functional additives to the bulk resin
of fibre reinforced composites will allow the achievement of these advanced functionalities.
With a view to supporting the responsible development and successful commercialisation of
these innovations, EIROS is adopting a ‘safe by design’ approach informed by a number of
tasks focused on early‐stage evaluation and management of safety aspects associated with
the materials, processes and components being used and developed as part of the project.