Welcome to a very small world.

You probably know what a centimeter is. And a millimeter. Now think smaller: a nanometer or 1 billionth of a meter. That's the width of about 5 atoms...or 1/10,000 the thickness of a human hair...or half of a DNA molecule.

Nanotechnology deals in this unimaginably small world, working with materials of between 1 and 100 nanometers. Of course, nanotechnology opens up untold possibilities of incredible miniaturization, but there's another surprise. As you break down a bulk material to nanoparticle size, the physical, chemical, and biological properties change. So a nanoparticle of a substance may offer new and beneficial properties that an ounce of that same substance doesn't.

What's the big deal about small?

Nanotechnology R&D can create improved materials, devices, and systems that exploit these new properties. The impact and opportunities reach into every field - from chemistry to physics, biotechnology to engineering.

Imagine doing less with more. Special nano-sized particles, called carbon nanotubes, are 100 times stronger than steel, but only 1/6 the weight. Think what that could do - building cars, bridges or golf clubs.

Here's another example: Nanofilm makes a coating for automotive glass to repel rain. Less than a coffee cup full of the active ingredient would protect every window on the Empire State Building.

The possibilities of nanotechnology are endless. It fuels work on ever-smaller chips for computers. Medical researchers are developing new drug delivery methods and pharmaceuticals. Work is being done in cosmetics, paints and coatings, plastics, electronics, sporting goods, water filtration and more.

Nanotechnology and our world.

Nanomaterials have surrounded us for centuries -- long before science could measure or understand them. For example, ancient Egyptians used nanoparticles in ink. And for decades, large-scale manmade materials that are currently deemed safe have created nanoparticles that enter the environment without any indication of harmful effects. For example the concrete in roads and bridges creates tiny nanoparticles as they break down, and carbon electrodes on batteries include carbon nanotubes, and are considered to be safe. Now R&D has the knowledge and tools to harness the benefits of nanoscale materials to make our world better in a big way with the smallest science of all. Have a question about nanotechnology? Contact us.