Nanomaterials
_Fundamental Concept_
_Size Concerns_
_Materials Used_
_Chemical Processing of Ceramics_

Nano materials are materials with morphological features smaller than a tenth of a micrometer in at least one dimension. Despite the fact that there is no consensus on the minimum or maximum size of nanomaterials, some authors limit their size to as low as 1 to ~ 30 nm, a logical definition would place the nano level between microscale (0.1 micrometre) and atomic / molecular scale (about 0.2 nanometers). See Figure "Classification of nanostructured materials."

Fundamental concepts

One aspect of nanotechnology is huge ratio of surface area to volume present in many nanoscale materials that enable new quantum mechanical, such as "quantum size effect" where the electronic properties of solids have been modified by large reductions in particle size. This effect does not come into play by going from macro to micro dimensions. But it becomes pronounced when nanometer size range is reached. A number of physical properties also change with the change of macroscopic systems. New mechanical properties of nanomaterials is a topic of nanomechanics research. Catalytic activities also reveal new behavior in interaction with biomaterials.

Nanotechnology can be seen as extensions of traditional disciplines towards the explicit consideration of these properties. In addition, traditional disciplines can again be interpreted as specific applications of nanotechnology. This dynamic Reciprocation of ideas and concepts contributes to the modern understanding of the area. Broadly speaking, nanotechnology is the synthesis and application of ideas from science and engineering towards the understanding and production of new materials and equipment. These products generally make copious use of physical characteristics associated with small weights.

As mentioned above, the materials are reduced to the nanoscale can suddenly show very different properties compared to what they exhibit on a general, so unique applications. For instance, opaque substances become transparent (copper); inert materials attain catalytic properties (platinum); stable materials turn combustible (aluminum); solids turn into liquids at room temperature (gold); insulators become conductors (silicon). Materials such as gold, which is chemically inert at normal scales, can serve as a potent chemical catalyst at the nanoscale. Much of the fascination with nanotechnology stems from these unique quantum and surface phenomena that matter exhibits at the nanoscale.

Nano Size powder particles (a few nanometers in diameter, also called nanoparticles) are potentially important in ceramics, powder metallurgy, the achievement of a uniform nanoporosity and similar programs. The strong tendency of small particles to form clumps ( "cake") is a serious technological problem that impedes such applications. But a series of dispersants such as ammonium citrate (aqueous) and imidazoline or Oleyl alcohol (nonaqueous) are promising solutions as possible additives for deagglomeration.