A definition of the term nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is about structures in which at least one dimension measures less than 100 nm. In fact, nanotechnology is used to describe a wide range of completely different innovations and developments whose common denominator is that they concern the investigation, production and use of these minute structures. That makes nanotechnology a truly interdisciplinary technology. Many well-known substances have structures in the nanometer range. These include metals, metal oxides, modified carbons and pigments. They are often used to give other materials different or far better properties, such as scratch resistance or a deeper color, thus creating innovative new products.

Nanotechnology - as seen through a microscope

ISO and the OECD subdivide nanomaterials into nano-objects and nanostructured materials. According to ISO TS 27687, nano-objects comprise nanoplates, nanofibers and nanoparticles, which are nanoscale in at least one of their external dimensions, i.e. if their length, breadth or height is between 1 and 100 nanometers.

Nanostructured materials are materials with a nanoscale structure inside or on the surface. The best-known examples are nanocomposites, agglomerates and large aggregates. Aggregates and agglomerates are composed of primary particles (< 100 nm). These are intermediaries generated during the production process that react with one another under process conditions to form larger, stable aggregates. The primary particles in such aggregates are firmly bonded to one another via chemical bonds. Aggregates join together to form micrometer-scale agglomerates as a result of van der Waals forces.

Evonik and nanotechnology

Evonik has several decades of experience in the production and handling of fine-particle substances such as carbon black and silica. These exist as larger aggregates and agglomerates with diameters of the order of a few micrometers. They are generated in production processes by sintering of the primary particles smaller than 100 nm that are initially formed in the reactor, and are therefore also included under the generic term nanomaterials. For special applications, Evonik provides formulations (such as dispersions) containing nano-objects in the form of aggregates smaller than 100 nm. The aggregate is the smallest stable unit in which the primary particles are held together by strong chemical bonding. Evonik also produces and markets nanomodified polymers containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In production, the CNTs are firmly embedded in a polymer matrix used as a masterbatch. Evonik also participates in a publicly funded project for research into new dispersion technologies for CNTs in polymers and novel and innovative application fields. Evonik also refines its technologies for targeted production of customized nanomaterials, participate in basic research on nanoparticle genesis, and continue our research on technologies for producing films in the sub-micron range.