stronger. What is commonly known as Nano-material includes ceramic nano-particles for catalysts, coatings as well as structural composites, and metal nano-particles for catalysts and sensors; nano-porous materials for optics, insulation and electronics; and carbon nanotubes for a number of applications.

Many of these nano materials are already in market. Yet other nano materials are in the process of development. They have the capacity to strategically influence, among others, the industry of construction materials, the ceramic industry in turn influencing various industries including the defense, the automobile and aerospace. In addition, the whole electronics industry is set to see a new shape because the electronic and non-electronic components both are going to be different in the nano technology world.

Materials developed through applications of Nanoscience in general will be more efficient and effective not only in terms of conductivity, strength or weight but will also be cleaner and will be useful in mitigating the hazards of wastes. That is why, perhaps, some economists have already changed the definition of the primary sector of the economy. Instead of agriculture and allied activities, they say it is ‘extraction of raw materials’. Earlier the definition said that an economy has to pass from the agriculture to a secondary economy. Now, it is said that for transition to a developed economy firstly the economy has to exploit its strategic competitive advantages in the primary sector (exploitation of the natural advantages & products) which will in turn propel its transition to a manufacturing (secondary) and services (tertiary) sector led economy. Thus extraction and development of the nano particles from the natural wealth of a country is going to be strategically crucial in its development process. Applications of nanosciene leading to a gamut of nano materials, therefore, assume all the more importance

Indian market, like many others in the developing world, is characterized by high consumption, high waste and resultant problems, and low technology. The requirements of development do necessitate consumption in the domestic and industrial sectors, but for want of right technologies and products, there is all pervasive inefficiency in the production and treatment cycle. Applications of nanotechnology can find answers to many of these problems.

Laptop computer screen: thickness and weight of a piece of paper

Computer chips which can store the information equivalent to all present computers of the world

Carbon materials like fullerenes, metal oxides and nano tubes and fibers display very high mechanical, and electro-thermal conduction abilities

At the same time weight is far less, strength is far greater

Nanotechnology applications in production of carbon fibre, and the machine parts with wear-resistant, erosion- resistant, and corrosion-resistant

Metal oxides such as Alumina, Zirconia, Ceria, Zinc oxide- Car catalysts, antibacterial functions, structural ceramics, Sunscreens, fuel cells, transparent UV absorbers. Carbon- Thermal and Electrical conductors

Alumino silicate (imogolite)- Ceramics filter, Catalyst support, and humidity controlling building materials

Calcium phosphates (hydroxyapatite)-Implants such as eyes, knees, and hips

SAiNSCE is in the process of developing certain Nanotechnology products in collaboration of a huge industrial base in the ceramics, auto and engineering industry here in Gujarat, India. We are also working on a few proposals to act as the R & D platform for nano products of other companies so as the get the economies of scale.

Eventually, as our ultimate goal in the Nanotechnology business, we will start manufacturing of certain products suitable and useful for the local, Indian and the global industry and the markets.