Nanotubes, Pt I.

In the days ahead, one of the topics we’ll cover a lot is nanotubes.

To start the ball rolling, let’s begin with the most studied and well-known variety, carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

CNT potential is pretty much accepted as both "fantastic" and "far-reaching." Enthusiasts predict both enabling and disruptive applications, many of which we’ll see within the next few years.

Three of the remaining caveats re: realizing the enthusiast’s vision are 1) bulk production (and therefore cost), 2) functionalization, and 3) separation.

All three are being addressed by hundreds of well-financed groups, academic, government, and business. It is clearly only a matter of time --near future time that is – before one of those groups finds a way to address each issue.

For more about this and other issues, read nanotechnology news at Nanotechnology Now

Read about Investing in Nanotech at NanoNovus

Read about preparing for molecular manufacturing at Center for Responsible Nanotechnology and the Foresight Nanotech Institute

NIOSH Guidelines

Josh Cable pens an article titled "Nanotech: NIOSH to Issue Guidance for Employers" where he talks about possible recommendations re: a medical surveillance program for nanotechnology workers.

If your company is currently (or planning on) working with nanoscale materials then you need to stay abreast of this developing story; it may mean changes to the way you do business, along with oversight, regulations, and additional costs.

Read full article here

NIOSH Nanotechnology web page