Definition of nanomaterials: "Nanotechnology" is a generic term that describes applications in many scientific fields but covers general research principles and properties that exist at the nanoscale, i.e. at the level of atoms and molecules. The goal is to produce nanotechnological objects or materials smaller than 100 nanometers. These nanomaterials are composed of nanoparticles which, unlike natural or combustion-derived fine particles, are intentionally produced. Nanomaterials can be metals, ceramics, carbon, polymers or silicates which have the advantage of having specific characteristics compared to the same materials on a macroscale. The acquisition of these new physico-chemical properties opens up a vast field of basic and applied research grouped under the name of "Nanoscience". History: Brussels, 18 October 2011 - "Nanomaterials" are materials whose main constituents have dimensions including between 1 and 1,100 billionths of a metre: this is the content of the Recommendation adopted today by the European Commission. This announcement marks an important step f...