Nanotechnology

Background | Applications | Research | Funding | Additional Information | Articles of Special Interest

What's New

EPA Issues Consent Order Regarding Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issued a consent order in response to a pre-manufacture notice for a substance identified as a multi-walled carbon nanotube.  SPI's Nanotechnology Group has developed a guidance document on this issue to assist SPI members. 

SPI's Nanotechnology Group Develops New Guidance Materials

SPI's Nanotechnology Group has created new guidance material on "Nanotechnology Resource Websites" and "Compilation of Nanotechnology Related Definitions" available for SPI members only.  Click here for more information about SPI's Nanotechnology Group.

New Nano-based Plastic Developed at the University of Michigan

Professor Nicholas Kotov and colleagues at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor used a manufacturing process to create a new plastic from polyvinyl alcohol and nano-sized sheets of mineral that make up a particular clay called Montmorillonite.  The substance mimics the structure of mother-of-pearl, and its creators say further development of their new technique could provide lighter body armor, as well as aircraft and vehicle parts.  Click here for more information.

Research chemists led by Dr. Stefan Bon of the University of Warwick's Department of Chemistry have devised a process to cover small particles of polymer with a layer of silica-based nanoparticles. The final result provides a versatile material that can be used to create a range of high performance materials such as self healing paints and packaging that can be tailored to let precise levels of water, air or both pass in a particular direction.  Click here for more information.

FY 2009 National Nanotechnology Initiative Summary Budget Released

The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative, which coordinates Federal nanotechnology research and development activities, has released its FY 2009 Summary Budget.  The budget provides $1.5 billion for the NNI including $76 million for environmental, health and safety related activities.

U.S. EPA Issues SNURs Including Nanomaterials

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published 56 final Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) in the federal register. Two of the 56 substances were nanomaterials, marking the first time EPA has published final SNURs for such substances. The two nanomaterials were listed with their generic chemical names, siloxane modified silica nanoparticles, P05-0673 and siloxane modified alumina nanoparticles, P05-0687, based on concerns for human health. To view the federal register notice click here.

OSHA Launches New Nanotechnology Web Site

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a new nanotechnology section of their website. The pages address potential benefits and applications of nanotechnology, the health and safety research priorities within the agency, as well as what OSHA standards apply to the field of nanotechnology.

Background

"Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly one to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter; a sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.

"At this level, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms and molecules or bulk matter. Nanotechnology R&D is directed toward understanding and creating improved materials, devices, and systems that exploit these new properties."

The National Nanotechnology Initiative Strategic Plan
Nanoscale Science, Engineering, and Technology Subcommittee
Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council
December 2004

Applications in Plastics

Nanotechnology contributes significant advantages to plastics applications today and will bring even more advances in the future. Nanocomposites that enhance the properties of thermoplastic resins, making them tougher, more heat-, dent- and scratch-resistant, can be processed using the same equipment and methods as "traditional" resins. Nanotechnology promises to bring about new products that would have been impossible with macro-sized materials, for example, postage-stamp sized memory chips capable of holding 25 DVDs' worth of data, or completely scratch-resistant auto body paints.

Here are a few examples of how nanotechnology is changing plastics product manufacturing today:

Nanocomposites. Nanoclays or nanocarbon fillers, including layered silicate nanoclays, nanotalcs, carbon nanotubes and graphite platelets in a polymeric matrix. Nanoscale reinforcing materials are used in a variety of thermoplastics, such as polypropylene, thermoplastic olefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene and nylon. Nanocomposites outperform standard fillers and reinforcements in raising heat resistance, dimensional stability, stiffness, flame retardancy and electrical conductivity. Typical applications include automotive parts, including body side molding, fuel-line components and interior center consoles. In electronics, polycarbonate and polyetherimide components of hard drives have been reinforced with nanotubes to give them better conductivity. Nanocomposite concentrates are being evaluated in films for enhancing barrier properties and controlling the release of additives such as biocides and dyes. Nanoclays in nylons are used as barrier layers in multi-layer PET bottles and films for food packaging. Source: Omnexus

Electrically Conductive Polymer Nanocomposite Materials. Scientists and engineers at the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, working with the University of Dayton Research Institute, have developed polymer nanocomposite materials capable of carrying or dissipating significant electrical charge. Nanotubes on the order of 50 to 150 nm (nanometers) in diameter, that are remarkably flexible and have the current carrying capacity of copper, are dispersed into a supporting polymer matrix. Electrically condcutive polymer nanocomposite materials offer substantial weight savings, flexibility, durability, low-temperature processability and tailored reproducible conductivity compared to conductive metal-filled systems. Applications could include conductive paints, coatings, caulks, sealants, adhesives, fibers, thin films, thick sheets and tubes for use the in aerospace, automotive and chemical industry markets. More information...

Solar Cells. The U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and The University of California-Berkeley have developed a hybrid semicondctor-polymer photovolatic device which will be cheaper and easier to make than conventional solar panels and could be molded into the same nearly infinite variety of shapes as pure polymers. Semiconductor nanorods are be used to fabricate readily processed and energy-efficient hybrid solar cells together with polymers. The use of solar, or photovoltaic, cells -- devices that can absorb and convert light into electrical power -- has been limited because production costs are so high. More information...

Nanocomposite Foams. Ohio State University engineers have found a way, using nanocomposites, to make dense plastic foam that may replace solid plastic in the future. The foam products are lighter than solid plastics, but appear the same to the eye. Potential applications include seat cushions, carpet padding, home insulation, disposable diapers, fast food container, coffee cups and packaging material. More information...

Research

The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), in conjunction with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have established 24 nanotechnology research centers. NSF has established a 13-university network of user facilities, the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network, as well as the 7-University Nanotechnology Computational Network.

NNI Centers and User Facilities

Guide to Acronyms