Sep 30 2015
Nanometals have higher surface area. The nanometals of size 10nm have 10% of their atoms on the surface where as the ones with size of 2.5nm have 60% of their atoms on their surface.
Having such high percentage of atoms exposed on their surface, gives nanometals an advantage over their bulk materials. Some nanometals like silver, gold, titanium, platinum and iron are already in use. A large part of this market is occupied by nano-silver.
Aluminum Nanoparticles are highly effective catalysts. They are also used in ceramics, water-resistant additives, coatings, drug deliveries, heat transfer fluids and biomaterials. The FPI innovation fund LP has invested 10 million euro in commercial production of Aluminum nanofiber. Since the production of nanomaterials is in its initial stages the competition is very less.
The silver Nanoparticles are suitable for use in transistors, semiconductors and conductors. NanoMas Inc, US silver nanomaterial startup, has raised a funds of $ 3.2 million to expand its nanoparticle production and in R&D.
A total of 180 products have been presented to the global market by 32 global productive organizations in 2014. China and the United States are the two leading commercial manufacturers of titanium based nanomaterials. The titanium nanomaterials are majorly used in aerospace. Their other applications are in optical fibers, micro sensors, coatings plastics, soaps, nanowires, anti-microbial & anti-fungal agents, and bandages.
Global Nanomaterials market is currently valued at $3.4 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach $11.8 billion by 2020 showing a compound annual growth rate of 23.1%. North America will remain the market leading region for several years as it has significant ongoing R & D activities in nanomaterials.