topic Hightech Strategy

Nanomaterials - small dimensions, huge effects

Research in the area of nanotechnology deals with the smallest particles which make up all materials. A precise knowledge of their structure provides the possibility to tailor-make products to precisely match the requirements of their use: They protect cars from scratching, sanitary facilities from dirt and people from UV radiation. Furthermore, nanotechnology enables us to launch innovations in many other areas.The field of application of nanotechnology is particularly large because of its basic findings. Research into the smallest structures offers new development opportunities for all areas, be it electronics, biotechnology, chemistry, medicine or engineering.

Materials developed in nanostructure research have a size below 100 nanometres and are thus about 1000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. At this smallest level, the basis can be established for materials with special characteristics. This is due to the fact that the ratio between surface and volume is particularly large in these particles. The resulting high reactivity makes it possible to tailor materials more precisely to their specific use; this is often achieved by developing novel coatings.
The desired properties of a specific structure often depend on the planned use and the protective functions of surfaces where the main reactions with gaseous, fluid and solid substances take place. Good examples are heat resistance, pollution resistance or an improved biocompatibility of products. Scratch-resistance, protection against oxidation or against wear and tear are also conceivable. The range of possible applications covers everything from everyday goods to the high-tech industry and therefore also entails a considerable economic potential.

Findings of nanotechnology can already be found in our everyday life: Scratch-resistant car lacquers, water-repelling coatings of sanitary facilities and UV absorbing sunscreen are based on this research as is the development of magnetic layers of hard disks for computers.

But nanotechnology also has a broad area of application beyond the field of materials. In medicine, special nanoparticles are used in research on fighting tumours. Surface-modified magnetic particles are to mark tumours, locally overheat them in an alternating magnetic field and thus destroy them.