With nanotechnology it is possible to create materials from building blocks the size of atom clusters, which exhibit enhanced electronic, magnetic, optical and chemical properties. The enhanced properties extend far beyond and offer far greater potential than just the inherent ‘economy of geometry’ of miniaturization.

Nanomaterials are powders and materials optimised at the nanoscale (10^-9m or a billionth of a meter in size). At the nano size the theories of classical and quantum mechanics are no longer valid and a rich variety of unexpected properties are possible. New applications for materials can be created with novel or significantly enhanced properties. Such properties include transparency, hydrophobicity, photoluminescence, toughness and hardness, chemical sensing and bioavailability.

Products produced from these materials exhibit unique properties and have a wide range of high value commercial applications in rapidly expanding markets.

The key characteristics demanded of nanoparticles to capture high value markets are:

• Small particle size
• Narrow size distribution
• Low levels of agglomeration
• High dispersibility