What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology concerns the production and manipulation of materials on an atomic or molecular scale. Common is that nanotechnology is based the different or new physical, chemical, optical, mechanical and biological properties arising for objects in the size-range of ca. 1 to 100 nm. These changes in properties are mainly due to the increased surface to volume ratio with reduced size and emergence of the so-called quantum effects at the nanoscale.

Nanotechnology includes manufacturing and use of nano-objects (e.g., nanoparticles , nanofibres, and nanoflakes), which are generally referred to as nanomaterials or as substances on nanoform in European chemicals regulation. Nanotechnology also include production and technical use of nanostructures on surfaces and internally in materials. Nanomaterials may even themselves be produced with nanostructures or pores with functional purposes.

Nanotechnology is therefore a set of enabling technologies, which are applicable to many different types of industries. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are considered key-enabling technologies and has found widespread use in many different sectors