The info is scattered. Individual companies tend to focus on very select materials. Then there are some who claim to be into everything but who tend to exaggerate. There are two key areas of nanomaterials:
-synthesis of nano-powders, and
-consolidation of nano-powders
This work is being performed with ceramics and with metals.
A few groups work on bulk solids which are processed in the bulk state to produce nano-microstructure.
Are there particular materials or aspects of the market you are interested in?
There are many areas of nanomaterials, especially if you don’t limit yourself to bulk materials. JimMetalsCeramics could have mentioned some thin capabilities of his company.
There is an article THE SYNTHESIS OF NANOSTRUCTURED THIN FILMS via various PVD and CVD processes online at
Nanotechnology is applied to make ever smaller semiconductor devices (e.g., computer chips) via refinements in processes including lithography, thin film deposition, and etching (
There is also a Center for Biologically Inspired Nanocomposite Materials (BiMAT) at UC-Santa Barbara*, funded by NASA. They don’t have an active website yet, so I will give you a brief synopsis. They are trying to produce composite materials by a self-replicating nanoprocess. A model is the abalone shell formation by an ordered buildup of calcium carbonate platelets held together by a protein binder, similar to a brick and mortar structure. Thin, tough and lightweight.
*UCLA is a co-partner; they may have a website.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. Some may include microstructure tailored materials such as amorphous metal alloys. See
‘Liquidmetal properties’
thread330-65326
You may have to sift through the literature. The most recent info would be conference proceedings and in-house R&D.
Technanogy makes nano aluminum. This is useful as an additive to solid propellant as it promotes a more aggressive and complete burn.
Materials Modification, where I work, has made a wide range of nano-powders such as cobalt, and SiC and ZnO. The applications include the fabrication of wear resistant material with substantially improved fracture toughness.
We have also done good development on consolidation of these powders into bulk materials while preserving fine microstructure.
Other nano-powders include fumed silica, which is used for electrical stabilization of polymers and modification of polymer rheology. Carbon black is used for black pigments, for making polymers ESD-safe and for other composite functions.
