Nanostructured materials: An overview and commercial analysis

Many types of ceramics, metals, alloys, semiconductors, and composite materials have been synthesized with nanocrystalline structures. Common examples include oxide and carbide ceramics; iron- and nickel-based alloys; silicon and zinc sulfide semiconductros; and nanoparticle-polymer composites. In 2001, the US market for nanostructured materials is projected to reach $154.6 million, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 29.6% from 1996 to 2001. The article summarizes nanostructured materials properties and processing, the industry, and commercial products and markets.