Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles

Advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials result from our new and unprecedented ability to see and control material structures in the 1 to 100 nanometer size range. Nanostructures have always been with us, however. Every natural and man-made physical material has structure at the nano-scale. It is our growing ability to see and control these nano-scale structures that provide a vast array of new materials, some of which demonstrate unique chemical, electronic, magnetic, optical, and physical properties

The nanomaterials market is a rapidly growing sector of advanced materials and is beginning to impact many products and markets broadly.  U.S. market for nanomaterials are expected to exceed $1 billion dollars by 2007.  Governments, corporations and venture capitalists are spending billions worldwide on nanotechnology research and development.  Funding for research and development is expected to continue at high levels.  This effort has resulted in the publication of hundreds of thousands of peer-reviewed research articles and the filing of a vast number of nanotechnology patents.

With this level of research, development and patenting there is unclear overlap of technology and claims creating a complex and fragmented landscape. The enormous influx of research and development funding globally has fueled the proliferation of new compositions, architectures and assemblies of nanostructured advanced materials, many of which remain undeveloped due to the lack of cost effective processes or applications or insufficient funding. Many organizations express confusion and frustration at the increasing number of nano-materials, their early stage of development, high cost and incompatible processing methods which prevent commercial adoption.  For the large number of emerging materials, there is currently insufficient commercially focused development.  Even with these issues, this area is poised to grow. These factors combined capture some of the challenges and opportunities in nano-materials today.

The industry is starting in niche applications such as wafer polishing, abrasives, storage media, diagnostic aids, personal care additives, scratch resistant coatings and fabric coatings.  Basic nanomaterials are the first revenue generators in the industry to be followed by simpler nano-based products.  Demand is building in biomaterials, catalysis, diagnostics, and electronics.  The industry is in transition, with many small companies establishing partnerships with large chemical companies or universities.  Bridgehead knows nano-materials and assist you in this new emerging technology area.

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