What is Nanotechnology?
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The term nanotechnology comes from the Greek word “nanos”, which means dwarf. One nanometer (nm) is one millionth of a millimeter. Imagine a soccer ball in relation to the earth: The relationship between a nanoparticle and a soccer ball is roughly the same.
Nanotechnology is about structures in which at least one dimension measures less than 100 nm. In fact, nanotechnology is used to describe a wide range of completely different innovations and developments whose common denominator is that they concern the investigation, production and use of these minute structures. That makes nanotechnology a truly interdisciplinary technology. |
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| This picture was one of the entries in the "Nano&Art" competition. More | |
Substances with structures in the nanometer range often have completely new properties. These can be used to create innovative applications and improved products. Degussa has enormous expertise in the field of nanomaterials. For decades, the company has been manufacturing fine-particle substances whose primary particles may be less than 100 nm during production. Before they leave the reactor, however, these tiny particles combine within milliseconds, forming larger units known as nanostructured materials. Degussa uses this experience as the starting point for new nanomaterials and system solutions.
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Potential
Focused on the future - Degussa uses nanotechnology to develop new products and efficient solutions that greatly improve environmental protection, comfort, health and mobility, create jobs and support sustainable development. More |
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Expertise
Combining experience with creativity - Decades of experience in research and development and the handling of nanostructured materials and other fine particles help Degussa use nanotechnology to develop products with mid-term sales growth potential running into hundreds of millions of euros. More |
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Applications
New and improved products - Nanostructured materials are already being used to improve everyday products or give them completely new properties. Examples are scratch-resistant coatings and inkjet photographic paper for super-sharp images. More |