Nanotechnology begins to make presence felt
alarmism on the other, nanomaterials are beginning to establish a
commercial presence in the US market - and packaging could become a
key sector, writes Anthony Fletcher.
The US nanomaterial market, which totalled only $125 million in 2000, is expected to reach $1.4 billion in 2008 and exceed $30 billion by 2020, according to Nanomaterials, a new study from the Freedonia Group.
The development of nanomaterials - substances with particle size between 1 and 100 nanometers in at least one dimension - is a key step in the eventual production of more sophisticated machines and products. One nanometer is the same as one millionth of a millimetre.
The report predicts that early growth will come from a wide variety of niche applications. These include obvious sectors such as semiconductor wafer polishing abrasives and data storage media for the electronics industry; but also beer and soft drink bottles with superior barrier properties for beverage manufacturers.
Packaging consultancy Pira also points out that nanotechnology could be used to manufacture film that will remain transparent, providing the materials are kept smaller than half a micrometer.
But despite the perceived advantages of the new technology, there are threats to growth. These include the undetermined impact of materials on human health and the environment, and higher prices than for conventional materials.
A recent UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report urged caution. It noted that the four main nanoparticle production processes are gas-phase, vapour deposition, colloidal and attrition, all of which could result in exposure through inhalation, dermal or ingestion routes.
The HSE stated that no information is available concerning workers' exposure to nanoparticles in the UK, but information from other powder handling processes suggests that exposures may be significant.
"In summary, we conclude that there is little evidence to suggest that the exposure of workers arising from the production of nanoparticles has been adequately assessed," it stated.
But as production of nanomaterials increases and high-tech niche markets are penetrated, the Freedonia report predicts that material prices will drop, opening up opportunities in more cost-sensitive applications, such as food and beverage products. Additionally, new applications and material formats will continue to emerge, presenting further growth opportunities.
For example, the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (SINTEF) is currently using nanotechnology to create small particles in the film and improve the transportation of some gases through the plastic film to pump out dirty air such as carbon dioxide.
It is hoped that the concept could be used to block out harmful gases that shorten the shelf life of food. SINTEF scientists are looking at whether the film could also provide barrier protection and prevent gases such as oxygen and ethylene from deteriorating food.
