Nanotechnology applications in the forest products industry
Moon, R. J., Frihart, C. R. and Wegner, T.
2006 Forest products journal, Vol. 56, no. 5 (May 2006): pages 4-10.
Moon, R. J., Frihart, C. R. and Wegner, T., (2006), "Nanotechnology applications in the forest products industry", Forest products journal, Vol. 56, no. 5 (May 2006): pages 4-10.
Abstract:
Description: Nanotechnology is the study and engineering of matter at the dimensions of 1 to 100 nanometers, where the physical, chemical, or biological properties are fundamentally different from those of the bulk material. By expanding our understanding and control of matter at such levels, new avenues in product development can be opened. Nanoscale-based science has applications across nearly all economic sectors and allows the development of new technologies with broad commercial potential, such as nanostructured materials, nanoscale-based manufacturing processes, and nanoelectronics. However, to fully achieve these potential applications, investments must be made in the science and engineering that will enable creation of new technologies and enable industry to produce more advanced and cost-competitive products. The necessary basic and applied nanotechnology research and development (R&D) are oftern too broad, complex, expensive, long-term, and risky for industry to undertake entirely on its own. Therefore, this R&D is best carried out as an integrated partnership and effort involving the federal government, academia, and industry. Figure 1 shows the historical breakdown of overall R&D spending by categorical group, and a similar trend is expected for the specific R&D spending in nanotechnology. This figure demonstrates that federal and university involvement in R&D is highest for basic research, while involvement of U.S. industry is highest in applied research and product development. To best assist industry in utilization of nanotechnology, the federal government is concentrating its funding on basic research.
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Forest Products Lab "on pulp and paper products, housing and structural uses of wood, wood preservation, wood and fungi identification, and finishing and restoration of wood products."
