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reportFocus Report 2010: CNT and Nanodiamond
3.10 Focus Report 2010: CNT and nanodiamond; Executive Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) represent one of the most research intensive areas within nanotechnology. Their extraordinary material properties have given rise to numerous application scenarios since their discovery in the early 1990s. These include new composite materials, electrode coatings, energy storage, sensors, alternative flat panel display technologies, novel nano-electronic components, and pharmaceutic-biomedical applications. Due to the wide range of applications, CNTs are relevant for many industries.
In many areas, CNTs are still in an early research stage; however, recently first applications have been leaving the development laboratories. Above all, mechanically reinforced CNT plastics are increasingly being commercialised. Often, these are lifestyle and sports products in which the reference to new high-tech materials can be effectively advertised. Also, the production of electrically conductive composites, coatings, lacquers and paints is gaining importance and are flowing into marketable products.
So far CNT-based products have largely addressed niche markets; however, due to increased industrial production capacities, CNTs are decreasing in cost stimulating further expansion, particularly in the composite sector.
In general CNTs offer considerable innovation and commercialisation potential. Some years ago Europe was in danger of falling behind international competitors. However, due to large research funding projects stimulating innovation and numerous industries expanding their production capacities, there is now the opportunity to overcome such gaps. The associated stimulation effect opens up possibilities for Europe not only to compete effectively with the U.S. and Asia, but also to establish technological leadership positions in particularly crucial areas, and to achieve rapid and targeted implementation into commercial products and applications.[i]
[i] Brand L., Gierlings M., Hoffknecht A., Wagner V., Zweck A.: Kohlenstoff-Nanoröhren - Potenziale einer neuen Materialklasse für Deutschland, Schriftenreihe Zukünftige Technologien Band 79, ISSN 1436-5928, Hrsg. VDI-Technologiezentrum Düsseldorf, Jan. 2009.
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