In general, nanoscale materials are materials in the size range of 1-100 nm, where a nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter – about 1/100,000 of a hair thickness. Nanoscience refers to the study of the properties of nanoscale materials, and nanotechnology refers to the fabrication and manipulation of those materials. Nanomaterials have properties totally different from ordinary materials and provide a tremendous base for all kinds of materials with various applications – from medicine to computers to nanoscale machines. Nanotechnology is predicted to make a significant impact in the 21st century.
Because of the importance of nanotechnology, the US government issued a federal initiative in 2001, entitled the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI); and subsequently, nanotechnology has continued to be a top research priority under the Bush administration. Federal funding for nanotechnology increased from $116 million in 1997 to an estimated $464 million in 2001, representing a four-fold increase. For 2008, $1.4 billion is requested in the proposed federal budget, nearly a 4% increase from the estimated 2007 budget.
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary area, bridging science (biology, chemistry, environmental science, material science, medical science, and physics), engineering (aerospace, computer, electrical, and mechanical), business (economics and finance), and humanities (social and ethics issues). It is a fast-growing area – bringing with it a significant challenge to universities nationwide to prepare students for the future workforce and to create opportunities for students in nanotechnology.
To find out more about nanotechnology, check out the list of external links to various academic, educational, government, industry, and professional web sites.
