Nanotechnology has been heralded as the next industrial revolution, with the nanotechnology market estimated to reach US$1trillion by 2015. To date most activity has been in the field of nanopolymers that are being used in composite materials and thin film coatings.
Behind much of the hype surrounding nanocomposites is a real opportunity for companies to produce superior, sustainable materials faster, cheaper and more efficiently. We know that the automotive industry, for example, has long championed the use of nanocomposites, exploiting other properties, such as smoother surfaces, easier processing and even cheaper materials, which can be gained as well as providing lighter weight products.
From the use of nanoparticles in advanced drug delivery technologies to innovations in bio warfare detection, new approaches in the synthesis, characterisation and commercial application of nanopolymers mean that the opportunities are endless. With the main 'nano' ingredients dispersed in polymeric systems being organoclays, nanoparticulate inorganics, and carbon nanotubes, recent news of an innovative method of growing carbon nanotubes is likely to revolutionize the implementation of nanotechnology.
With this in mind Rapra Technology is organising a new international conference on Nanopolymers to be held from June 12-13th 2007 in Germany to bring together experts from around the world to present the latest information and exciting opportunities on how the property changes, achievable through the use of nanopolymers, will impact on most industry sectors.
The inaugural conference will provide data on the rapid growth of nanopolymers and will highlight their use in different industry sectors. The cost benefits of incorporating nano-scale ingredients into polymer-based products will be featured, along with examples of how to disperse the nano-ingredients to maximise the properties required.
The conference promises to be of value to all those with interests in providing higher value polymer composites and coatings. Rapra technology is currently inviting papers for this conference. If you are interested in presenting a paper at this event, please send a title, short summary, speaker name(s) and company name(s) to ayates@rapra.net by the deadline of 22nd December 2006.
18-Aug-06 
