Nanosafety Analysis of Graphene-Based Polyester Resin Composites on a Life Cycle Perspective

Abstract

The use, production, and disposal of engineering nanomaterials (ENMs), including graphene-related materials (GRMs), raise concerns and questions about possible adverse effects on human health and the environment, considering the lack of harmonized toxicological data on ENMs and the ability of these materials to be released into the air, soil, or water during common industrial processes and/or accidental events. Within this context, the potential release of graphene particles, their agglomerates, and aggregates (NOAA) as a result of sanding of a battery of graphene-based polyester resin composite samples intended to be used in a building was examined. The analyzed samples were exposed to different weathering conditions to evaluate the influence of the weathering process on the morphology and size distribution of the particles released. Sanding studies were conducted in a tailored designed sanding bench connected to time and size resolving measurement devices. Particle size distributions and particle number concentration were assessed using an optical particle counter (OPC) and a condensation particle counter (CPC), respectively, during the sanding operation. A scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analysis was performed to adequately characterize the morphology, size, and chemical composition of the released particles. A toxicity screening study of pristine and graphene-based nanocomposites released using the aquatic macroinvertebrate Daphnia magna and relevant human cell lines was conducted to support risk assessment and decision making. The results show a significant release of nanoscale materials during machining operations, including differences attributed to the % of graphene and weathering conditions. The cell line tests demonstrated a higher effect in the human colon carcinoma cell line Caco2 than in the human fibroblasts (A549 cell line), which means that composites released to the environment could have an impact on human health and biota.

Environmental and Health Impacts of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials: A Graphene Flagship Perspective

“…449 Recent studies have shown that graphene-based polyester resin composites are released during machining and in weathered samples. 450 Cell viability levels of around 60% in A549 human lung cancer cells were observed with high dose (100 ppm) graphene nanosheets and graphene composites. Both graphene and resin demonstrated low toxicity although the authors acknowledged the presence of ambient particles from the spraying process that comprised of various metals.…”

“…It is also important when analyzing toxicity to consider that nanoparticles on surfaces, as opposed to compounded in a matrix, are not directly comparable . Recent studies have shown that graphene-based polyester resin composites are released during machining and in weathered samples . Cell viability levels of around 60% in A549 human lung cancer cells were observed with high dose (100 ppm) graphene nanosheets and graphene composites.…”