Nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a field of applied science dedicated to the control and manipulation of matter on a scale smaller than one micrometer, i.e. at the level of atoms and molecules (nano-materials). The most common is that such manipulation occurs in a range between one and one hundred nanometers. Nanotechnology has revolutionized the industries by making several advancements with the advent of new materials with special properties, resulting in much more enhanced and stronger materials than steel but with only ten percent of the weight of steel. These applications have incredibly faster components, and molecular sensors, which enable them to detect and destroy cancer cells in the dedlicadas parts of the human body such as the brain, are among one of the many other applications of Nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology

Introduction

Nanotechnology is a technology that deals with materials in the order of nanometers (1 nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter). Nanotechnology makes it possible to control substances at a molecular level and thus to handle materials, new properties. The particles produced by this technique are established, have different properties and behave differently than larger particles (Moore, 2012). This creates a new generation of technological applications. This opens up new opportunities in various fields, from health and nutrition to environment and agriculture. Nanotechnology, at least in the United States, is currently at the stage of new and existing scientific discoveries, and due to the promises in productivity and positive change, transference to markets in a larger scale is the next logical step based on its productivity and scientific promise, nanotechnology is an incumbent technology has gathered a lot of awareness worldwide in research and rapid investment from governments, and large multinational organizations (Martin, 2007).

Nanotechnology is considered a key technology of the 21st Century. The small size of the nano-particles gives them special properties that could revolutionize many products. Therefore, nano-particles are already being used in many areas, whether in food, packaging, textiles, fertilizers, car accessories or cosmetics (McGinn, 2010). Nanotechnology enables materials with new properties, such as (smaller) computer chips, stronger plastics, coatings, antibacterial and water repellent fabric (Ghattas, 2012). A distinction is made between the use of nano-particles in various applications (nanotechnology as a product) and the use of nanotechnology in the production process (as nanotechnology process). Nano-particles may have different characteristics and they behave differently than larger particles of the same chemical composition. In the context of possible toxicological risks, the free (non-bound in a product), non-degradable and insoluble nano-particles have diverted the attention of many scientists (Hinkal, 2011).

Problem Statement

The purpose of this research is to address the growing concern of the United States of America regarding the impending loss of leadership in nanotechnology (Cutcliffe, 2012). Even though the U.S. is still the world leader in nanotechnology research and development (R & D), there is a danger that United States might lose this position to some of the other states of the world such as Germany, and Netherlands, who have gained quite a lot when it comes to nanotechnology (Paik, ...