Scaling-up, Standardizing, and Making it Safe: Nanotechnologies in Manufacturing

picture of trees
  

 

How is nanotechnology going to create jobs in rural America?

When you think of walking through the woods, you probably don’t think about nanotechnology. Trees, however, can supply a nanomaterial that’s as strong as what is in bulletproof vests. National Nanotechnology Initiative member agencies are working with the private sector to build an industry around America’s forests by suppling plant-derived nanomaterials for everything from biodegradable electronics to high-strength packaging.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do manufacturers make sure their nanomaterials are what they say they are?

Instruments that are used to measure the properties of nanomaterials must give accurate results, in much the same way that a gas station pump is trusted to dispense the amount shown on its meter. Reference materials allow scientists to check their instruments against something that has been verified.  Standards, such as the NIST Gold Nanoparticle Reference Materials pictured here, ensure consistency, repeatability, and accuracy, which are crucial to scaling-up nanotechnologies
picture of ampoules of NIST's Gold Nanoparticle Reference material
 
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From the work bench to the store shelf, how is the government protecting people working with nanomaterials?

Human-made nanomaterials have the potential to do amazing things. As more consumer products take advantage of nanotechnology, the potential for unwanted side effects is continuously being monitored. The government is teaming with industry to create best practices around nanomaterials to ensure the safety of workers and consumers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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