From: Brock (bhinzmann@sric-bi.com)
Date: Wed May 21 2003 - 01:00:53 EEST
Larry,
Although the article refers to micro devices, some of the more practical
applications of nano-clays today are in things like plastic beer
bottles. The exfoliated clays are broad, flat particles, the thin part
of which is thin enough to count as nanoparticles. The particles can
impart multiple properties to a plastic matrix, such blocking UV light
from the outside and gas molecules from the inside, while leaving the
bottle transparent to visible light.
The implications for RP are that someone may want to experiment with
putting such materials in other plastic parts. One of the issues is to
make sure that you disperse the particles evenly. If the particles clump
up, you lose some of the properties. Also, since the particles are more
expensive than the matrix material, you want to optimize how much of the
material you use, to keep costs down.
I would think that some university students might have an active
interest in playing around with nano-clays in new applications. Using RP
equipment to make prototypes would seem to be a natural. Direct
manufacture of early, short-run nano-clay products on RP/M might be an
interesting niche market.
Anybody working in this area already? We are looking for speakers (maybe
already have them) on nano-clays for a meeting we are having for our
nanoMaterials & Manufacturing Forum on June 18.
Brock Hinzmann
bhinzmann@sric-bi.com
voice: +1 (650) 859-4350
"Blasch, Larry" wrote:
> Nano-Clay May Shape Micro-Devices
>
> http://sci.newsfactor.com/perl/story/21549.html
>
> Maybe that's how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids...
>
> Lawrence R. Blasch
> Design Engineer
> CAE Systems Administrator
>
> OPW Fueling Components
> P.O. Box 405003
> Cincinnati, OH 45240-5003 USA
> Voice: (513) 870-3356
> Fax: (513) 870-3275
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