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Nanomaterials

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Nanomaterials are defined as materials composed of one or more engineered nano-components. A nano-component has at least one of its dimensions between 1nm and 100nm. These nano-components or their interactions are engineered to impart the unique properties of these materials. Examples include nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanostructured materials, and designer molecules.

The characterisation, analysis and application of nanomaterials make up one of the most exciting emerging fields of research. Much work still remains to be done so as to increase the knowledge and usability of these new materials. This has attracted both industrial and academic support, as the quality and range of nanomaterials research at NPL attests to.

NPL research on nanomaterials focuses in developing traceable methods to measure the structural properties of nanomaterials and the interactions and transport across boundaries in nanostructured materials.

For more information: nanomaterials@npl.co.uk

Nanomaterials research

  • Bio-bond Characterisation and Mesoscale Assembly
    Atomic Force Microscopy is currently being used at NPL to characterise the strength of bio-bonds, such as hybridised DNA. The potential, if such bonds are strong enough, is to utilise the inherent ‘logic’ in DNA as a programmable method of assembly for mesoscale devices
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  • Microfluidics micro particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV)
    Work currently in progress at NPL uses Micro Particle Velocimetry (Micro-PIV) to characterise the flow of nanoparticle dispersions through these microfluidic channels.
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  • Nanoparticles
    Nanoparticles are exploited commercially, in the ink industry, pharmacuticals, and in materials. The lack of traceable calibration standards of sub-50 nm nanoparticles means that the characterisation and standardisation of nanoparticles, and their toxicological impact, is critical for regulation purposes and to sustain innovation.
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  • Wettability and Nanopatterning
    Hydrophobicity often appears in nature – an example is a lotus leaf, whose texture of micro- and nanoscale features results in a self-cleaning surface. Work is being carried out at NPL to identify and characterise the critical features (both micro- and nanoscale) which are inherent in hydrophobic surfaces.
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Nanomaterials products & services

Nanomaterials collaboration

Industrial Advisory Group (IAG)
An Industrial Advisory Group (IAG), is a committee of representatives from industry whose purpose is to guide and monitor the progress of research programmes.
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