The shape of things to come [nanotechnology]

There are many pressing needs which are being addressed by engineers in innovative ways at present. But clearly one of the single most captivating ideas in the minds of some engineers at present is nanotechnology. Nanomaterials is a small area of nanotechnology. These are substances produced in particle form, each particle of which is measured on the nanometric scale. At this level the active qualities of the substance, whether intended as a catalyst or a protective coating, are enhanced. Nanomaterials represents a destructive technology that will at a stroke wipe out existing materials, methods and whole supply industries. Originally, interest in the new materials came from research departments and academic institutions. Now many more large corporations are expressing an interest in buying substances like those produced by QinetiqNano Materials Ltd. (QNL), one of the most advanced nanomaterials producers in the UK. The developing world naturally wants to make the jump straight to nanotechnology and, as such, poses one of the greatest threats to conventional methods of production. Therefore, it is not only the science of nanotechnology itself, that has the potential to be disruptive but also the business, the new commercial reality of nanotechnology that will have an impact.