|
|
|
|
   
|
||||||
|
|
Nanomaterials: A big market potential Abstract Production of nanomaterials particles measuring tens of nanometers-is
poised to become a big business for chemical makers. While many applications
for molecular nanotechnology are still way off in the future, materials
containing nanoparticles are already available in commercial products.
These products promise a market of many billions of dollars for established
chemical firms investing in nanomaterials production, as well as hundreds
of startup firms rushing to fill the expected demand
The nanomaterials business is separated along three lines; nanoclays, nanoscale oxides and metals, and carbon nanotubes. The most established market is nanoclays, used in composite materials, and is dominated by firms that are back integrated into the raw material, including Nanocor (Arlington Heights, IL), Rockwood Specialties subsidiary Southern Clay (Gonzales, TX), and Sad- Chemie. Commercialization efforts are well-advanced, with composite materials containing nanoclays already in use in applications such as auto composites and barrier packaging. The fast-developing market for nanoscale oxides is a competition between existing producers of fumed oxides, such as Cabot Corp. and Degussa, which sell chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) products, and a host of startup firms. Nanoscale oxides offer probably the largest near-term potential, ranging from newly commercialized products such as nanoscale zinc oxide in sunscreens and scratch-resistant glass coatings, and a host of new applications under development that use the novel properties of nanomaterials. "Materials behave differently at the nanoscale," says Paul Holister,
research director at CMP Cientifica (Madrid). "Using nanoparticles in
composite materials can enhance their strength, reduce their weight,
increase their chemical and heat resistance, and change their interaction
with light and other radiation. Coatings made from nanoparticles can
be unusually tough or slippery, or exhibit unusual properties, such
as changing color when a current is applied, or 'clean' themselves when
it rains. Many applications of nanotechnology are a ways off, but the
nanomaterials market is already here." » Continued: Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 Nanotechnology
Online Careers
Did you find this material interesting?
Source: Copyright Chemical Week Associates
Please patronize our many sponsors, affiliates and advertisers today so that we may bring you more advanced services tomorrow. Have you seen the great deals from top brand name manufacturers?
|
|
|
|
