Surface modification has earned an important role in
the current technological world. Over the past three
decades, surfaces and their coatings have improved the
performance of, or protected new and existing products.
Techniques usually include surface treatments, where
the composition of mechanical properties are altered;
or the deposition of thin films or coatings, where a
different material is deposited to create a new surface.
The deposition of thin films has earned an extremely
important role in many kinds of industries. Ultra-thin
films or nanofilms-materials that are measured in nanometers-are
the next level in deposition and coating technology.
According
to a soon-to-be-released report from Business Communications
Company, Inc. (www.bccresearch.com) RGB-291 Nanofilms:
Markets and Technologies, the worldwide value of thin
films and nanofilms shipped for eight major industries
reached $1.1 billion in 2003. This market is projected
to just exceed $2 billion by 2008, as it increases
at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 12.7% through
the forecast period.
Of
the total, $222 million, or currently 19.7%, is classified
as nanofilm with a thickness of less than 100 nanometer.
Established nanofilms are being used to fabricate
improved products and impart properties in a more
concentrated fashion. They are typically deposited
by familiar processing methods such as sputtering
and atomic layer deposition. Microelectronics, information
storage and optical products are three of the principal
industry users of these materials. The value of established
nanofilms is projected to grow at an AAGR of 17.8%
to reach $505.7 million by 2008.
Emerging
nanofilms are coatings and films based on nanotechnology
that are being developed for future use. They may
be extracted, for example, from nanoparticles or self-assembled
materials and then converted to dispersions for deposition.
The majority of these newer materials are projected
to be available in 2006. They will be deposited by
traditional methods or, in most instances, by processes
that are currently being developed. The value of emerging
nanofilms is projected to be $196.5 million by 2006
and grow at a 22% AAGR to reach $292.6 million by
2008. Established and emerging nanofilms will represent
39% of total thin film materials by 2008.
To
order a copy and/or for more information,
please contact the publisher
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS CO., INC.
Contact: Malika Rajan; Tel: (203) 853-4266; ext 309
Email: publisher@bccresearch.com; Additional Press
Releases: www.bccresearch.com/press
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