chemie report Nanotechnology:

Small particles hit the big timesp

ecia

l09/2

012

Position: We’re making nanotechnology safer – through research p. 3

Safety research: Ten years of successful safety research p. 4

Occupational health and safety: High safety standards at the workplace p. 7

Products from the nanoworld: Solar cells, wind turbines and nanocrystals p. 8

Pigments and fillers: All things nano under the sun? p. 14

Legal affairs: Nanoparticles – caught up in red tape? p. 16

Business: Small particles – big business p. 18

Service: Contacts at VCI, Internet pages about nanotechnology p. 20

coNteNtS

chemie report specialContents and news 09.2012

2

About the cover picture: Tiny nanowires made of siliconrise into the air like matchsticks – but the tips of thesematchsticks are only between 2 and 250 nanometres abovethe surface. When a slice of silicon that has been vapour-coated with gold is exposed to a stream of silicon vapour at525 degrees Celsius, rod-like nanowires of silicon growwhere the drops of gold lie on the surface. The longer theresearchers expose the sample to the silicon vapour, the

longer the tiny rods grow. The gold remains sitting on topof the nanowires like a tiny cap. In the future, experimentslike this are expected to produce results that will facilitatethe production of electronic components.

Contact: Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics,www.mpi-halle.mpg.de

Nanotechnology involves the investigation and construc-tion of extremely small structures. The Greek word“nanos” means “dwarf”. In nanotechnology, dimensionsare measured in nanometres (nm). A nanometre is one bil-lionth of a metre. The relationship of a nanometre to a me -tre is the same as that of a hazelnut to the Earth. Anyoneinvestigating, constructing or using structures smaller than100 nanometres is working in the world of nanotechnology.

Two roads lead into the nanocosmos. You can eitherreduce objects to the desired size (top-down) or start withindividual atoms or compounds and create new materialsthrough controlled chemical reactions in liquids and gases(bottom-up). As a result, the extreme miniaturization canlead to greatly altered material characteristics or evencompletely new ones. The new materials involved mightbe, for example, more environmentally friendly, moreenergy-efficient or more sparing of resources. Nanostructureshave a much larger surface area compared to their volumethan do objects in the macroscopic world. The more exten-sive the surface area, the greater the scope for chemicaland physical interactions with the material’s surroundings.It’s precisely these special characteristics that make nano-materials extremely interesting for the chemical industry.

Today German chemical companies are primarily investi-gating and producing nanostructured surfaces, nano-particles and combinations of these nanoparticles withconventional materials such as plastics and ceramics. Thechemical industry plays a central role in the field of nanotechnology as the main supplier of nanomaterials – arole it has been playing for more than 60 years.

Nanotechnology is an extremely promising area of research.

In brief: What is nanotechnology?

chemie report special09.2012 Editorial

3

PoSItIoN

Nanotechnology long ago ceased to be a disciplinedealing only with fundamental research. The future-oriented fantasies of physicists and chemists havenow become a solid economic reality. Materials withsurface structures measured in the domain of billionths of a metre are already a business factor withfar-reaching effects. Without nano-optimized materi-als, many products in the chemical, optics and elec-trical industries would no longer be competitive. Ger-many is particularly strong in this area. In Germanytoday, approximately 60,000 jobs in about a thousandcompanies depend on nanotechnology, and these num-bers are increasing. There’s no doubt that nano-technology is helping to lead Germany’s economy toa successful future. The German federal governmentis contributing to this development. In 2011 it spentabout €400 million to promote research in this area.

At the same time, we should not close our eyes to thefact that within the general public there is growingconcern about the effects of thenew materials on the environ-ment, and especially on humanhealth. The German federal gov-ernment is taking these con-cerns just as seriously as theeconomic opportunities offeredby nanotechnology. We there-fore formulated a cross-depart-mental concept in January 2011called the Action Plan Nano-technology 2015. This conceptcombines the promotion of re -search and support for compa-nies and entrepreneurs withresearch into risks for the envi-ronment and human health.Between 2006 and 2010, ourexpenditures for research intorisks and related areas increasedby more than 70 per cent to€14 million.

The Action Plan Nanotechnologyis coordinated with our high-tech strategy. This means thatwe are supporting projects that

promise to yield solutions in connection with themajor social issues of the future: climate change /energy, health /nutrition, mobility and communica-tion. Nano technology can provide important contri-butions in these areas. Today nanotechnology isalready performing valuable services, especially in thefield of medicine. For example, the use of nano particlesin therapeutic hyperthermia has opened up new possibilities for treating tumors. Other examples thatimprove the quality of life include nanoporous filtersfor purifying drinking water and ceramic nanocoat-ings that are replacing poisonous chrome and nickelcompounds in applications for protection against corrosion. Carbon nanotubes are also facilitating theshift to renewable energies by making it possible tobuild much larger and lighter rotor blades for wind turbines. Nanostructured materials will also makesignificant contributions to the efficient use ofresources, for example, by improving the performanceof batteries for electromobility and, in the more dis-

tant future, by replacing rareraw materials.

The German federal govern-ment will further strengthen Germany’s leading position inthe area of nanotechnology. ItsAction Plan also includes an intense dialogue with thegeneral public. After all, thefocus of our technology policy ison the human being.

Pleasant reading!

Sincerely yours, Annette Schavan

We’re making nanotechnology safer – through research

Professor Dr. Annette SchavanFederal Minister of Education and Research

chemie report specialSafety research 09.2012

Surfaces are coated in order to protectthem, make them more attractive orenhance certain characteristics, such asbeing scratch-proof or wear-resistant. Nanotechnology serves as an invisible toolin this process, and it therefore celebratedits breakthrough in the coatings industry. Atthe same time, functional nanoparticles alsobecame a major theme in the talks betweenthe coatings industry and public authorities,political decision-makers, and NGos. How-ever, at that time only a few scientific inves-tigations based on practical examples ofnanomaterials used in coatings had beenconducted. It’s true that these investiga-tions had not indicated any risks in connec-tion with nanoparticles in coatings andcolours.

Nonetheless, the German paint and printingInk Association (VdL) considered it impor-tant to be able to provide well-foundedinformation in discussions. It thereforejoined up with the VCI to commission theTU Dresden University of Technology toinvestigate the possible release of nano-particles from a coating matrix.

Investigation of three coating systemsThe study simulated various stresses tocoated surfaces during the lifecycle of acoated object. Three coating systems thatare used in everyday applications werechosen for the study. The functionalnanoparticles were simulated by zinc oxidenanoparticles (Zno-Np) in the three coatingsystems, which were compared with the

same coatings without nanoparticles: a two-component polyurethane furniture coating,a UV-hardening parquet floor coating, and awater-based acrylate white coating for exte-rior applications.

The first question was: Are nanoparticlesreleased from a coated surface duringeveryday use – for example, the stressresulting from people walking on a coatedfloor with lots of sand on the soles of theirshoes? In order to answer this question, theresearchers used a standardized testingmethod in which a device for measuring sur-face abrasion impacted the coated surface.Such devices, called Taber-abrasers, areused in the furniture industry to conductreproducible investigations of abrasion. Theresearchers conducted the particle meas-

Science and industry evaluate the risks of nanomaterials

Ten years of successful safety researchHow safe are nanomaterials? Thisquestion is answered in a guest articleby Prof. Dr. Harald Krug from the SwissFederal Laboratories for MaterialsTesting and Research (Empa) with theteam working on the DaNa project.Researchers from scientific institutesand industry have created a good basisfor the safe and sustainable develop-ment of nanotechnology. But, saysKrug, standardized methods areneeded to create uniform data world-wide. Otherwise, a consensus regard -ing potential risks is impossible.

In the past, especially in the “century ofchemistry”, there were many develop-ments the general public found difficultto understand or approve of. The prolif-eration and large-scale use of sub-stances such as DDT, PCBs, asbestos,and tributyltin – which we now know aretoxic – has done much to shake thepublic’s faith in “technology” for quitesome time. Many people today believethis mistrust is justified. They are con-cerned and unsettled when it comes tonew technologies such as nanotech-nology. Nonetheless, it should be

pointed out that the production of nano-materials is a “traditional craft” whichbegan systematically 150 years ago withcolloid chemistry. In keeping with thisarticle’s title, the author observes thateven though the development of nano-materials is still in its early stages, science and industry are already doing agreat deal to evaluate its possible risks.

DIVerSe projeCTSOne example is the working group

“Responsible Production and Use ofNanomaterials”. This group of around

Tiny balls of polystyrene become “seaurchins” with “quills” of zinc oxidenanowires created by a simple electro-chemical process. The aim is to makephotovoltaic applications more efficient.

Tiny particles – big risks? Studies of the release of nanoparticles from coated surfaces give the all-clear

4

chemie report special09.2012 Safety research

5

urements with a counting instrument espe-cially developed for nanoparticles.

The researchers at TU Dresden wereunable to find any differences between thecoating systems with nanoparticles andthose without them. furthermore, onlybetween three and five additional particlesper cubic centimetre of air were measured –a result that is close to the detection limit ofthis measuring method. The Zno nanoparti-cles were tightly integrated in the particlesrubbed off from the coating matrix. The fewfree nanoparticles that were measured werefragments of the coating film (polymer).

Abrasion – the end of the coating filmSanding off old coatings is a normal processthat occurs during the lifecycle of coatings.In their study, the researchers reproduced

this abrasion process using a conventionalsanding tool.

In the second module of this study, signif-icantly more nanoparticles were measured,

as expected – specifically, an average of105 particles per cubic centimetre of air. Thiscorresponds approximately to the particleconcentration of an urban aerosol in thestreets of city centres. The abrasion processreleased particles smaller than 100 nanome-tres from the matrix. There was no signifi-cant difference between the coatingsystems containing added nanoparticlesand the coating samples that were used forcomparison. The added zinc oxide nano-particles remained firmly integrated in thebinder matrix.

Aging of coating systems The study showed that the number of nano -particles released depends on the age ofthe coated surface. In order to determinethe degree to which particles might be

40 experts, which is jointly sponsored byDECHEMA and VCI, was founded in2003. Its members, who represent busi-ness, science, and public authorities,address current issues related to theresponsible use of nanomaterials. Theyhave produced a roadmap that summa-rizes and prioritizes the key questionsthat must be answered regardingresearch on the safety of nanomaterials.The aim is to reach reliable conclusionsabout these materials’ safety-relevantcharacteristics. The roadmap has alsoresulted in recommendations to the fed-eral authorities and ministries. Thesehave already been implemented by theFederal Ministry of Education and Re -search (BMBF) – for example in calls fortenders such as Nanochemistry (2004)and NanoCare and NanoNature (both in2008). The working group has also maderecommendations to the EU, and it is inpermanent contact with the OECD andother international organizations.

In its current status paper, “Ten Yearsof Research: Risk Assessment, Human andEnvironmental Toxicology of Nanomate-rials,” the working group showed that

science and industry had already con-ducted nanospecific safety researchregarding colloids and ultrafine particu-late matter even before the term “nano-technology” was introduced. In parallelwith the de velopment of nanotech-nology, safety research in the area of“nanotechnology research” had been initiated and intensified in line with thegrowing market role of nanomaterials.The status paper provides an overview ofcurrent and completed projects from thearea of nano -safety research. In addition,it points out the opportunities offered bythis technology – opportunities thatshould not be overlooked in this connec-tion.

NANomATerIALS AS A kNoWLeDGe pLATform

The DaNa project also aims to pro-vide a better assessment of the possible

risks harboured by nanomaterials. To thisend, an interdisciplinary team of scien-tists is providing well-founded andclearly presented information aboutnanomaterials on its website atwww.nanoobjects.info. Here they ex -plain current research findings regardingnanomaterials and their effects on bothhuman beings and the environment.What’s more, they do so in an easilyunderstandable manner – not just forconsumers but also for the productionmanagers of industrial companies.

The knowledge base regardingnanomaterials is the centrepiece of thewebsite. Here the 24 most importantnanomaterials currently available on themarket are explained (as of June 2012) inshort informative texts. More detailedarticles also take a look at their applica-tions and characteristics as well as theirhuman and ecotoxicology. The biblio-graphy that forms the foundation of thenanomaterials knowledge base isselected according to strict and stan-dardized criteria of quality.

The website also focuses on theBMBF-sponsored projects investi-

Wissensplattform Nanomaterialien

Da NaErfassung, Bewertung und breitenwirksame Darstellung von gesellschaftlich relevanten Daten und Erkenntnissen zu Nanomaterialienwww.nanopartikel.info

Nano made simple: That’swhat the nanotechnologyknowledge platform aims toprovide. www.nanoobjects.info

In the study, the researchers simulated abrasionof a coated surface.

Safety research chemie report special 09.2012

6

gating the effects of nanomaterialson human health and the environment.Relevant and quality-tested results ofthese projects are also integrated intothe nanomaterials knowledge base. Inaddition, users can subscribe to anewsletter, direct their questions to theexperts in the team, provide feedbackand tweet on the “nano_info.”

STANDArDIZATIoN IS NeeDeDA major concern of the scientists

working on these projects is the harmo-nization of the methods used innanosafety research. According to astudy recently published by Dimitar Hristozov and others, there are 302 scientific datasets regarding research onnanotitanium dioxide, but only 99 ofthem are useful. The situation for zincoxide is even more discouraging: herethe ratio is 279:37. In view of the factthat only 32 per cent and 13 per cent,respectively, of the published datasetson these two chemicals are useful, onecan see why it is so difficult to respon-sibly discuss the possible risks of nano-materials. As a result, a number ofleading research toxicologists have

formed various consortia that are tryingto significantly improve the situation. Forexample, a voluntary worldwide alliancewas formed in 2008 to conduct round-robin tests in order to improve the pro-tocols for toxicological tests. TheEuropean “NanoMMUNE” project haspublished a handbook called StandardOperating Procedures – SOPs. Onlywhen the toxicology researchers arespeaking the same language will they beable to arrive at a consensus concerningthe possible risks.

ASSeSSING rISkS CorreCTLYThis brief summary of the current sit-

uation has shown that, on the one hand,toxicologists have begun to investigatethe safety-relevant aspects of nanomate-rials at an early stage. This has created agood foundation for making the tech-nology safe and sustainable. But on theother hand, it is obvious that the dataavailable throughout the world are notstandardized. Toxicologists must there-

fore work on ensuring that the basicprinciples and rules that apply to regula-tory toxicology and epidemiology arealso applied to nanotoxicologicalstudies. If the various working groupsconducting in vitro or in vivo investiga-tions do not accept standard proce-dures, the regulatory bodies and author-ities will not have a good foundation fordecision-making. The scientists there-fore are duty-bound to promote thismeasure.Professor Dr. Harald Krug, Empa; Dr. Katja Nau,

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Dr. Christoph

Steinbach, DECHEMA; Rainer Klose, Empa;

Dr. Andreas Förster, DECHEMA

Stress-resistant: Added nanoparticles remainfirmly integrated in floor coatings.

The tiny molecule car, which is only4 x 2 nanometres in size, drives onits electrically operated wheelsacross a copper surface.

released at the end of the coating’slife cycle, the polymer binder of the paintsurface was artificially aged and destroyedin the third module of the study. The agingof the samples was carried out by means ofan accelerated weathering apparatus over atotal time period of 2,000 hours. As a resultof the aging process, a larger total numberof nanoparticles was released. electrostati-cally precipitated aerosol particles pro-duced by the sanding process were investi-gated using scanning electron microscopesand transmission electron microscopes, aswell as energy-dispersive x-ray spec-troscopy. The investigation clearly showedthat even in cases where the coating sur-face is destroyed, the functional nano-particles that are firmly integrated in the

matrix material are not released. onceagain, the nanoparticles that were foundwere fragments of the original film formedby the binder.

No significant differencesAs far as the release of nanoparticles wasconcerned, the researchers found no significant differences between the paintsystems with added nanoparticles and thesamples used for comparison. Differentpaint systems age at different rates, andthe number of particles released increaseswith the age of the paint system. The mostimportant result of the study, at all stages,was that the added functional nano-particles remained firmly integrated in thecoating matrix of the sanded-off particles.In every case, the small number ofreleased nanoparticles were fragments ofthe binder matrix.

Aline Rommert (rommert@vci.de)

Michael Bross (bross@vci.de)

Reader service:The status paper “Ten Years ofresearch: risk Assessment, Human and environmental Toxicology of Nanomaterials” isavailable at chemiereport@vci.deor click http://bit.ly/QliWCI

Occupational health and safetychemie report special09.2012

7

Occupational safety today

Nowadays, occupational safetyfocuses on identifying possible haz-ards early on, protecting employeehealth to the maximum extent pos-sible and preventing illnesses fromoccurring in the first place. Theemployers are responsible forensuring that these goals areachieved. In Germany, the Occupa-tional Safety Act (ASiG) defines whatemployers have to do and observein this regard. The relevant regula-tions are further specified in specialdirectives and technical guidelines,which apply to the hand ling of allchemicals, irrespective of the size orquantity of the particles involved.

For example, chemical companiesanalyse workplace risks and imple-ment the necessary technical, per-sonal and organizational protectivemeasures in order to ensure that theexposure levels to certain materialsremain as low as possible. Chemicalcompanies include informationregarding the dangerous propertiesof substances such as nanomaterialsin their safety data sheets, which arepassed on to customers by manu-facturers and suppliers.Reader service: To request the

joint VCI/BAuA guideline (availableonly in German), please e-mail:chemiereport@vci.de or clickhttp://bit.ly/NzTBrh

Because occupational health andsafety is a top priority for the chemi -cal industry, the sector’s companiesensure that the relevant laws andregulations are scrupulously com-plied with. In fact, most such compa-nies are even doing more than re-quired. This is also the case when itcomes to the production of micro-particles. Here, the VCI and the Fed-eral Institute for OccupationalSafety and Health (BAuA) have, forexam ple, drawn up a guideline gov-erning the safe handling of nanoma-terials in the workplace.

In what way can working with nanoparti-cles actually affect employees? The mainconcern is that they absorb particlesthrough their skin or inhale very finedusts. The nanoscale version of a mate-rial can have special properties thatdiffer from those of larger particles.

Chemical companies already takesuch properties into account in their riskmanagement systems in order to iden-tify possible risks early on. In particu lar,the sector has committed itself to such apreventive philosophy in its ResponsibleCare Initiative. This careful approach issupplemented by research activities thatenable companies to fill gaps in theirknowledge so that they can realisticallyassess the potential risks associated withnanomaterials.

NANo CommISSIoN reCommeNDATIoNSFor example, if insufficient informa-

tion about the absorption of micro-parti-cles is available, the companies take thisfact into account when stipulating pro-tective measures. Here, the companiesbase their decisions on the recommen-dations of the German Nano Commis-sion. To better compensate for knowl-edge gaps, the Nano Commission hasproposed criteria for assessing whethera more relaxed approach or increasedconcern is appropriate. For instance, cri-teria associated with a more relaxed ap -proach include whether a nanomaterialis firmly incorporated in a matrix and ifthe material can be further processed in

a manner that does not create dust. Bycontrast, measures that would probablyexpose employees to high levels ofnanomaterials would be regarded as acause for more concern. In addition,companies are required to inform theiremployees in an understandable mannerabout the physical and toxicologicalproperties of the nanomaterials used.Employees must be aware of the neces-sity of specific measures and the pos-sible long-term effects of exposure tonanoscale dusts. Firms include this infor-mation in their printed operating instruc-tions, which they are obliged to makeavailable at the workplace.

However, it’s not enough to simplyprovide information, assess risks, andimplement proposals – which is why thecompanies are also checking to seewhether their protective measures areeffective. Not only do the companies regu- larly maintain the machinery and equip-ment; they also test functions anddocument their results concerningworking conditions, protective measures,and measured exposure levels.

The importance of occupationalsafety in the chemical sector is alsodemonstrated by the guideline “RiskAssessment for Handling and Use ofNanomaterials at the Workplace”, whichwas recently jointly reworked by the VCIand the Federal Institute for Occupa-tional Safety and Health (BAuA). Amongother things, the guideline describes thelatest findings regarding measuringtechniques and strategies, and includesa clear and easy-to-understand flowchart so that possible risks can be betterassessed at the workplace. By answeringyes-or-no questions, users gain improvedinsight into processes and procedures.The guideline is rounded off by informa-tion on supplemental organizational and personal protective measures. Dr. Heinz-G. Schäfer (schaefer@vci.de)

Responsible Care Initiative: Sector focuses on voluntary measures

High occupational safety standards

chemie report specialProducts from the nanoworld 09.2012

8

Research: Making nano big

Solar cells, wind turbines and nanocrystals

Solar cells: Scientists are relying on antireflectioncoatings containing silicon dioxide nano-particles in their quest to capture more sunlight.

Nanotechnology is considered to be avery promising research and busi-ness field. Structures and processeson the so-called nanoscale can leadto new types of products that serveglobal megatrends. Such productscan, for example, help save energy,protect the climate, conserve re -sources and improve medical diag-noses. So where does the chemicalindustry come in? The answer issimple: It provides the key materialsneeded for all this.

Nanostructures are used today in high-tech applications – for example, in lightweight construction, energy sys-tems, the building industry, the medicalfield and the cosmetics sector. Re-searchers at various companies areseeking to exploit the potential offeredby nanoscale structures in order tochange material properties and developnew products.

Solar cells: Less reflection

Small nanoparticles could turn out to bea tiny but key piece of a puzzle that willenable Germany to realise its energytransition programme. Photovoltaic unitson roofs are already able to convertapproximately 15 per cent of the solarenergy they capture into electricity. Theuse of antireflective coatings made withsilicon dioxide nanoparticles on thecover glasses of solar modules can

increase this yield by a further 2 to 3 percent.

A sol-gel process is utilized here,whereby “sol” refers to a solution inwhich extremely tiny particles of theorder of magnitude of 10 to 35 nanome-tres (nm) are homogenously distributedin the fluid. Condensation and removalof the solvent turns the sol into a gel inwhich all the particles are firmly bondedto one another. To create the anti-glarenanocoating, the solar glass is immersedin a sol bath. A thin film is producedwhen the glass is removed, and this filmis then burned onto the glass, leavingbehind a coating with nanoscale pores.A surface processed in this manner onlyreflects less than 1 per cent of the inci-dent sunlight – instead of the four percent reflected by the conventional coverglass normally used in photovoltaicmodules. Dr. Gangolf Schrimpf, Merck KGaA

Lending wings to wind power

Whether they’re used as additives inplastics, metals, or other materials –carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can endowknown materials with new properties.They can, for example, improve electri -cal conductivity and greatly increasemechanical load-bearing capacity. Thisopens up numerous new possibilities,especially in terms of lightweight con-struction and energy efficiency.

Researchers are currently examiningways to use CNTs to make windmillrotors lighter – a development thatwould help to further reduce the cost ofgenerating electricity. In this application,the carbon nanotubes are integratedinto a plastic mixture made up of epoxyresins, which is then used to bind carbonfibres as part of the process used inmanufacturing composite materials. Theidea here is to reinforce the load-bearing components in the wind turbinerotor blades while simultaneouslyreducing their weight – which would alsomake them cheaper. It would then bepossible to build larger blades withoutany increase in weight. And, or course,bigger blades means a higher turbineoutput. The greater electricity yieldwould in turn make wind energy farmsmore competitive compared with con-ventional power generation facilities,such as coal and gas-fired power plants.

The automotive and aviation indus-tries are also very interested in reducingweight and improving dynamic proper-

chemie report special09.2012 Products from the nanoworld

9

By making wind turbines lighter, carbon nanotubes will improve the electricity yield.

Organic light-emitting diodes help to lower energy consumption.

Nanoscale seed crystals speed up the concretehardening process.

ties. Researchers are therefore workinghard to find ways to use carbon nan-otubes in a range of additional applica-tions.Stefan Paul Mechnig,

Bayer MaterialScience AG

OLEDs: The light of the future

Lighting now accounts for roughly 20 percent of global electricity consumption.Efficient technologies could in futurelower the amount of energy needed forlighting by more than 30 per cent.Researchers are now even talking aboutilluminants that would consume 50 percent less energy than today’s compactfluorescent lamps. Organic light-emit-ting diodes (OLEDs) are one such lightsource. With their significantly longerlifespan and lower wattages for thesame light intensity, OLEDs can reduceconsumers’ lighting costs by around twothirds. Nanotechnology is helping outhere as well, as OLEDs are made of several nanometre-thin organic layers,one of which lights up as soon as currentis passed through it.

In addition to being extremly effi-cient and lon lasting, OLEDs will alsomake it possible to come up with com-pletely new lighting designs. Examplesinclude windows that serve as trans-parent light sources, luminous wallpaper,and roll-out flat screens, all of whichmight be possible in the not too distantfuture.

Moreover, because OLEDs emit lightfrom an area rather than a point, theycould also be used to transform walls orfloors into light sources. Their colourtones can be changed as well: Forexample, they can be made to emit asoft yellow glow during a romanticdinner or a bright white light forworking.

Despite all the technology packedinto them, OLEDs are no thicker than anapkin and can be designed to exhibitbendable and transparent properties. Asa result, in the future they could be usedas transparent illuminating window tilesthat let sunlight into a building duringthe day and light up rooms themselvesat night.Birgit Lau, BASF SE

From nanocrystal to concretecomponent

Prefabricated concrete constructioncomponents are everywhere – even if wearen't aware of them in our daily lives.Whether it’s bridge girders, sewer pipes,stairs, or railroad ties – millions of thesecomponents are prefabricated at indus-trial facilities and then installed directlyonsite. Thanks to nanoscale seed crys-tals made of calcium silicate hydrate(CSH), it is possible to manufacture suchprecast concrete components more rap-idly and at a higher level of quality. Andthis can be achieved using less energy.In other words, the technology helps to

reduce emissions of the greenhouse gasCO2 as well.

To produce the components, liquidcement is poured into a formwork – acasting mould that may not be openeduntil the concrete has hardened suffi-ciently. At ambient temperatures ofaround 20 degrees Celsius, it takes about 12 hours onaverage for the concrete to harden.Because the formwork cannot be usedduring this period, valuable time is lost.The liquid concrete is therefore oftenheated with steam, which acceleratesthe hardening process but also requiresa lot of additional energy.

The nano-CSH additive makes theheating process largely superfluous.Because it enables the concrete toharden just as fast at 20 degrees Celsiusas it does at 60 degrees Celsius. This isaccomplished by adding something tothe concrete that’s already in it anyway:calcium silicate hydrate. More precisely,the additive consists of millions uponmillions of tiny CSH crystals that are sus-pended in a liquid. The crystals have adiameter of several nanometres. Thesenanoparticles act as a crystallizationaccelerator. Other molecules from thecement bind themselves to the hugenumbers of CSH seeds. The resultingcrystals become denser and ultimatelylock together to form compact cementstone. At 20 degrees Celsius, theseprocesses can halve the time it takes forconcrete to harden enough to beremoved – from around 12 to six

chemie report specialProducts from the nanoworld 09.2012

10

A new nanostructured clearcoat enables anexterior surface to retain its glossy finish longerthan is the case with conventional coatings.

Lowering rolling resistance: A system of silicaand organosilanes gets more out of tyres.

clusters are very hard and scratchresistant. When combined, the twomaterials form a solid yet elastic net-work. For example, these propertiesenable the new clearcoat to immediatelyspring back about 90 per cent when it’sstruck by brushes in a car wash. As aresult, the micro-scratches that do formare substantially flatter and less visiblethan the scratches that appear on con-ventional clearcoats, which only springback 70 per cent.

The new product also displays bet -ter weathering resistance than standardclearcoats. This has been demonstratedin practical tests under normal everydayconditions that included subsequentscratch tests. The tests show that surfacefinished with the new clearcoat retainedtheir gloss for about twice as long as wasthe case with conventional coatings. Carowners will be happy about that. Afterall, the vehicles will look new for alonger period of time – and their valuewon’t depreciate as rapidly.Birgit Lau, BASF SE

Nano makes the green grade

For quite some time now, consumershave been able to see the energy-savingclassification of products like electricalappliances by looking at a special labelattached to them. This will be the casefor tyres as well in the future. An EU regulation requires tyre manufacturers toprovide similar labels for all new tyresbeginning in November 2012. Con-sumers will then be able to see howmuch a specific type of tyre enhancesfuel economy and reduces CO2 emis-sions – and how well it performs when avehicle brakes on a wet roadway. Thissystem will make a key contributiontoward achieving the target of reducingenergy consumption by 20 per centacross Europe by 2020. The new tyreclassifications range from the minimumstandard (red category “G”) to thehighest standard (green category “A”).Vehicles with the green category “A”classification tyres consume around7.5 per cent less fuel than cars with category “G” tyres.

A system of silicic acid (silica) andorganosilanes has the biggest effect onthe properties and performance of tyretreads. Tyre rolling resistance can belowered through targeted adjustmentsto this system. And that’s precisely theaim here, because the lower the rollingresistance, the less fuel is needed – andthe lower the amount of CO2 producedthrough fuel combustion. Another goalis to create a rubber mixture that keeps

hours. This improvement is pos-sible without any detectable differencesin the final product. Energy consumptionis reduced as the heat treatment processis not required.

The hardening accelerator can beused with ready-mix concrete that is further processed at construction sitesas well. Thus it helps to shorten con-struction times for roads, tunnels andrunways – even in winter, when tempera-tures are often very low.Birgit Lau, BASF SE

Better gloss and fewer scratches

Clearcoat finishes on automobiles haveto be tough: They need to withstandsunlight, rain, snow, rapid temperaturechanges, salt, and tree resin. Even tinyscratches from car wash brushes canmake the finish look dull and unattrac-tive over time. A new nanostructuredclearcoat ensures that a glossy finish canbe retained for a much longer period oftime than is the case with conventionalcoatings.

Standard clearcoats are madealmost exclusively of organic materialknown as polymers. The new coatingconsists of two materials bonded in ananostructured network that thereforecombines the benefits of hard inorganicand soft organic materials. The silicatenanoclusters are embedded in theorganic matrix that makes the coatingflexible and elastic. These silicate nano -

chemie report special09.2012 Products from the nanoworld

11

Corrosion protection: Scientists have succeeded in using nanotechnology to develop ultra-thin andcompletely even coatings that make metals less susceptible to rust. These coatings can, for example,be applied ina spraying process.

abrasion as low as possible without neg-atively affecting grip on dry or wetroads.

Silica, a reinforcing filler, has beenmanufactured for decades. Nowadays,because of its inner structure and highspecific surface, it is referred to as ananomaterial. However, the outer cir-cumference of a silica particle is in themicrometre range, which means that it’sa lot bigger than 100 nanometres.Thanks to organosilanes, silica can bondwith natural rubber in tyre rubber. Nor-mally, this is impossible for silica andnatural rubber due to their differentchemical compositions.

Scientists are now striving to adaptthis system of silica and organosilanesfor use in truck tyres in order to signifi-cantly lower the fuel costs of commercialvehicles as well.Dr. Edda Schulze, Evonik Industries AG

Better protection for metals

Rust is metal’s biggest enemy, which iswhy corrosion protection is so important.Using nanotechnology, scientists havemanaged to develop ultra-thin and com-pletely even coatings that make metalsless susceptible to rust. The coatingsalso make production processes muchmore efficient. This is because applyingsuch a coating is less complicated, moreenvironmentally friendly, and less costlythan is the case with conventional phos-phate coating processes.

The nanoceramic coating processes aresuitable as pretreatments for all normaltypes of powder and wet coating. Thesenanoceramics can be applied usingeither a dipping or spraying process,and create a sealed coat in which thenanoparticles are embedded. Measure-ments have shown that the nanoceramiccoating causes paints to adhere betterand provide very good protectionagainst corrosion.

The processes also offer financialbenefits in that they eliminate the needto heat up immersion vats. After all, theycan be carried out at room temperature,which saves energy. The processes arefaster as well: The pieces to be treatedare done after only around 20 seconds.Additional process steps are no longernecessary, which eliminates the associ-ated investment and maintenance costs.

The new processes also stand outbecause organic components are notinvolved. As no phosphates or toxicheavy metals have to be disposed of,significantly less sludge is left over fromthe production processes. This positiveecological balance literally pays offbecause it greatly reduces expen-diture for wastewater treatment, wastedisposal, and equipment cleaning andmaintenance. Holger Elfes, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Safe sun protection

Those who prefer not to look old as theygrow old should protect their skin fromtoo much sun. The expression “a healthytan” is an oxymoron because a dark-ened complexion indicates that aperson’s skin has been overexposed tosunlight. This can have grave conse-quences: The Deutsche Krebshilfe(German Cancer Aid) estimates thatnearly 200,000 people get skin cancerevery year in Germany alone, whereby24,000 of the victims become afflictedwith extremely dangerous malignantmelanoma.

Proper clothing, hats and sunglassesare therefore a must – but so are sun-screens that protect the skin from harm -ful UV radiation. Sunscreens contain UVfilters like titanium dioxide, which hasbeen used as a mineral-based UV filtersince the 1970s.

Titanium dioxide is an effective UVscreen primarily because of the innerstructure of its particles. These actuallyconsist of ultra-fine particles that firmlycoalesce into larger units – so-calledaggregates and agglomerates with ahigh specific surface. These units, whichare today also considered to be nano-materials, are so tiny that they reflectmost of the incident light, whileabsorbing some of it. Studies show thatthey do not penetrate healthy skin. Thiswas also the conclusion reached by the15 research partners that participated inthe EU-wide Nanoderm project

chemie report specialProducts from the nanoworld 09.2012

12

Widely applied: Titanium dioxide can be usedas a UV protection substance that helps preventsunburn.

Nano UV filters are now being used more andmore in cosmetic care products.

under the auspices of the Univer-sity of Leipzig. The aim of the projectwas to study the ability of healthy skin toblock nanomaterials. Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) hasalso confirmed that the behaviour ofnanoparticles applied to the skin hasbeen extensively studied with regard totitanium dioxide.

Dermatologists often recommendusing mineral-based filters – one reasonbeing that such filters protect not onlyagainst the UV-B rays that are mainlyresponsible for sunburns, but alsoagainst a portion of longer-wave UV-Arays. The latter cause skin to age prema-turely and also accelerate the develop-ment of skin cancer. In addition, sun-screens with mineral-based filters areeasy on the skin, well tolerated, and goto work immediately after being applied.Those who use them can look forward toa healthy complexion.Dr. Edda Schulze, Evonik Industries AG

Cosmetics: Nearly no limits fornano

Inorganic, titanium dioxide-based UV fil-ters are used not only in sunscreens butalso increasingly in other cosmetic prod-ucts. Roughly ten per cent of all facialcare products like day creams, lip balms,and eye care creams now display a sunprotection factor (SPF) on their labels orelse highlight the sun protection capa-bilities of their UV filters. Titaniumdioxide is the second most popular sub-stance for developers here. Since 2010,the share of facial care products with asun protection factor based on titaniumdioxide broadband filters has increasedfrom 21 to 25 per cent.

There’s good reason for the greateruse of the tiny but effective particles infacial care products.

First of all, nanoparticles do not reflectvisible light, which means they are com-pletely transparent on skin and cantherefore be spread very evenly over theskin surface.

Secondly, the comfortable feel of several titanium dioxide-based rawmaterials offers many possibilities fordeveloping day creams for moredemanding consumers.

Moreover, when used in special eyecare cosmetics the substances in ques-tion do not have the tendency to spreadover the skin and won't "creep" into theeyes.

Titanium dioxide filters can also beadded to lip balms and lipsticks in order

to protect the lip area, which is particu-larly sensitive to the sun.

Nano UV filters are used in colorcosmetic products as well these days.This is always the case when effectivesun protection is required in addition tohiding and colouring pigments or pearl-luster pigments. Inorganic UV filters canbe applied in a variety of ways in colorcosmetics. They can, for example, beeasily incorporated into emulsion-basedproducts, such as tinted day creams andfoundations, as well as powders andnon-aqueous cosmetic sticks. They arealso compatible with all cosmetic ingre-dients used in the color cosmetic sectorand can be processed easily. Whenadded to wax or oil-based formulas,they reduce oily and greasy aspectswithout negatively affecting hidingpower.

Finally, their physical stability makesthem particularly suitable for use inpowders.Sabine Hitzel, Merck KGaA

Reiner Mertscheit, Sachtleben Chemie GmbH

chemie report special09.2012 Products from the nanoworld

13

Humans can not survive without water. That’s why it’s so important that drinking water be especiallyclean and free of dangerous pathogens. Plastic membranes with nanopores are now being used tofilter out germs, bacteria and viruses in portable water purification units.

Clean water with nanopores

Population growth and increasing indus-trialization are leading to a rise in waterconsumption. Ten times more water isconsumed today around the globe thanwas the case a hundred years ago. Atthe same time, some 900 million peoplehave no access to clean drinking water.Nanotechnology can make a big differ-ence here. Using new plastic filter mem-branes with tiny pores measuringroughly 20 nanometres, it is possible toremove all germs, bacteria, and evenviruses from the water that passesthrough them. This extremely fine filtra-tion technique can be harnessed toclean drinking water, process water,wastewater and seawater.

The plastic membranes withnanopores can also be found in theportable water purification systems thatare being utilized more and more indeveloping countries. These easy-to-useplastic devices turn large volumes ofdirty water into clean drinking waterdirectly onsite. Both viruses and germsare removed from water taken fromrivers, lakes, rainwater collection tanksand even puddles. The purification systems can reliably clean at least18,000 litres of water microbiologically,without any need for electricity, addi-tional chemicals or complex technology. Birgit Lau, BASF SE

Unique magnetic nanoparticles

Finding a needle in a haystack is hardenough. Trying to find and remove aspecific needle from a haystack is evenmore difficult – but that’s exactly whatcan be done with the help of magneticnanoparticles. These particles are mainlyused in connection with HIV tests, butthey can also help detect hepatitisviruses.

The silica nanoparticles are inte-grated into so-called high-throughputscreening machines – laboratory robotsthat can conduct many different bio-chemical and pharmacological tests in ashort period of time. The nanoparticlesmake it possible to quickly and selec-tively clean nucleic acids, which containthe genetic information of a livingorganism. The particles consist of mag-netite cores coated with thin layers of

silica gel, showing an average diameterof 100 nanometres.

Due to the relatively large surfacearea of the small particles, it is possibleto isolate a small number of moleculesfrom a large sample – a feature thatmakes it possible to find a few viruses inone milliliter of blood in HIV tests. Themagnetic nanoparticles also remainevenly distributed for several minutes.That’s enough reaction time for thenucleic acids to bond with the tiny parti-cles. Given that the iron content of theparticles is more than 95 per cent, theycan be separated from the blood samplequickly and easily in a magnetic field. Itgenerally takes less than two minutes tocapture the particles magnetically.Dr. Gangolf Schrimpf, Merck KGaA

High throughput: Manybiochemical and phar-macological tests canbe conducted in ashort period of time.

chemie report special 09.2012Pigments and fillers

What do things like automotivepaints, pottery, paper, or roof tilesactually contain? Well, two of theircomponents are pigments and fillers.Both make life easier and morecolourful – and they’ve been doing sofor a long time. That’s why the Verband der Mineralfarbenindustrie(the German association of pro-ducers of pigments and fillers etc), isarguing that the EU definition ofnanomaterials should expresslyexclude traditional pigments andfillers. Other wise practically allcoloured products would be classi-fied as nanoproducts.

Pigments and fillers are not new: earth-based colourants have been detectedeven in cave paintings. And in ancientEgypt, the soot of oil lamps was used tomake black pigments of high opacityand stability – ideal for putting clearblack writing on papyrus. It just so hap-pens the Egyptians didn’t know that thesoot they were using contained nano-particles. The glassmakers of the MiddleAges fused tiny quantities of gold into

the glass when creating church windows.But they had no way of knowing, backthen, that they were in the process ofcreating clumps of gold atoms betweenfive and 30 nanometres in size. At thisscale, an important property of goldchanges: instead of producing a yellow-gold colour, the windows gleam with ared hue.

To this day, pigments and fillers canbe found in everything from automobilepaint to bricks. They satisfy functional,decorative, protective and safety re -quirements. Colour effects also influencethe purchasing behaviour of productusers.

The colour is a result of the interac-tion of the pigments with visible light.Things like glass or concrete, for exam -ple, only appear coloured to us becausepigments are added. Moreover, the nu -merous hues that are possible can onlybe achieved by mixing various pigments.Pigments must therefore be distributedfinely and uniformly in order to developthe best-possible effect.

In an ideal world, the crushing ordispersion necessary to colour paints

and plastics would always involve identi-cally sized particles. But this ideal situa-tion almost never arises. Instead, oneachieves more or less narrow particle-size distributions – as is often the case innature. Inadvertently, a certain propor-tion of very fine nanoparticles is thusalways created too. These usually don’toccur unbound, however. Instead, theycluster together to form larger structurescalled “agglomerates” or “aggregates”.In the final products, all pigment parti-cles are firmly bound in the matrix usedin each particular case; they are notpresent in an unbound form.

In addition, there is no danger ofany contamination occurring at theworkplace, because pigments and fillersare normally manufactured in closed sys-tems. Frequently, at an early stage – forexample, during the production process– the powders are incorporated into apaste or, alternatively, they are dispersedin a liquid in order to prevent the forma-tion of any dust. Closed systems or dustextractors are likewise used when pow-ders are transferred into different con-tainers.

14

Pigments and fillers add colour toour lives.

Pigments and fillers make our everyday lives more colourful

All things nano under the sun?

chemie report special09.2012 Pigments and fillers

15

It is only possible to breathe in pigmentpowder during production and pro-cessing when a closed system is notbeing used. If non-toxic pigment pow-ders are breathed in, their effect is thesame as that of any other particulatematter that is only slightly soluble. Iflarge concentrations of such particulatematter are breathed in over a very longperiod of time, health risks cannot beruled out. The possible consequencesinclude coughing, for instance. But lungfunction can be impaired too. To protecttheir employees, companies must thusobserve the protective measures stipu-lated in the relevant safety data sheetsand always make sure that the levels ofparticulate matter at the workplace arekept below the appropriate thresholds.

reSeArCH projeCT of TU DreSDeNThe end consumer usually has only

indirect contact with pigments and fillers– normally through objects that arecoated or coloured with them. In suchcases, the fine or nanodispersed parti-cles are part of a solid matrix or a liquidpreparation. There is thus no possibility

of end users or consumers being ex -posed to them. The results of a researchproject titled “Risk assessment concern -ing the release of pigment nanoparticlesinto the environment at the end of thelife-cycle process (FRINano)”, which wasconducted by the university TU Dresden,confirm this assessment.

Under controlled conditions, thescientists exposed coatings and plasticscontaining various fine-particle organicand inorganic pigments to artificialweathering effects, thereby simulatingapproximately five years of typicalweather conditions. They then subjectedthe samples to a variety of mechanicalstresses – such as suction, rubbing, andabrasion. The results show that pig-mented coatings and plastics are moreresistant to weather effects and wearthan unpigmented varieties. An addi-tional health risk due to the possiblerelease of pigment nanoparticles fromcoloured objects was ruled out. That isthe current state of our knowledge as faras safety research is concerned.

But what’s the situation when itcomes to regulatory classification? The

recommendation of the EU Commissionin autumn 2011 concerning the defini-tion of nanomaterials has significantconsequences for pigments and fillers.According to that recommendation,almost all colour pigments and fillersavailable on the market could bedefined as nanomaterials, even thoughthey have been in use for a very longtime. In fact, a nanoproduct registerwould basically have to list almost alleveryday objects – an obvious absurdity.It would make more sense to excludetraditional pigments and fillers from thelegal definition of nanomaterials. Subse-quent legislation should take into accountwhether or not pigments and fillers aretightly bound to a matrix or paste.Dr. Heike Liewald (liewald@vdmi.vci.de)

Reader service: for more infor-mation, see the brochure Nano –The Measure of All Things, avail-able at no charge from the Ver-band der mineralfarbenindustrie:info@vdmi.vci.de.

pigments are solid particles. A pigmentcan be coloured, black, white, or fluo-rescent. Unlike dyes, they do not dis-solve in the medium in which they areused, whether it be a coating or aplastic, for instance. A distinction ismade between organic and inorganicpigments. The properties of a pigmentthat impart colour arise from the inter-action of its particles with visible light.

The specific properties needed in pig-ments differ from one application toanother. These properties relate to fea-tures such as ease of distribution,colour intensity, light and weather-fast-ness, mechanical stability, hue, andopacity. These characteristics dependon the chemical composition of the pig-ment as well as the sizes and arrange-ments of the pigment particles.

Fillers: particulate and solidfillers usually consist of very small, solidparticles that are likewise insoluble inthe application medium. They are usedin plastics and coatings primarilybecause of their technical properties;the colour they impart is usually only asecondary criterion.

What are pigments and fillers?

Pigments and fillers give colourto everything from automotivepaints and plastics to potteryand bricks.

chemie report specialLegal affairs 09.2012

16

Nanoparticles are big news rightnow. Over the next 12 months the EUwill be taking crucial decisionsregarding the general legal frame-work for nanotechnology. The keyissues being addressed are the pre-cautionary principle, potential risks,REACH and transparency.

Several EU Member States and indi-vidual members of the European Parlia-ment believe that existing laws toprotect people and the environment donot sufficiently take account of potentialrisks posed by nanomaterials. They aretherefore calling for provisions in currentlegislation that apply specifically to nanotechnology. Some would evenprefer to see Brussels introduce legisla-tion that specifically governs nanotech-nology. Their suspicion is thatnanomaterials are in fact hazardous,despite the fact that the mandatory testshave failed to demonstrate any indica-tion of hazardous properties.

There are two key aspects as far asthe discussion on the future legal frame-work for nanomaterials is concerned:namely, the question as to which pro-ducts should be legally defined as nano-materials, and the question regardingthe legal consequences for these

products. The two questions are closelyrelated, since the object of legislationand the legal consequences associatedwith this object must relate to oneanother in a consistent manner. First ofall, however, we must ask why the defini-tion is so important. The answer issimple. The VCI advocates that the legaldefinition of “nanomaterial”, as appliedin the areas of substance legislation,product legislation, environmental legis-lation (with reference to soil, water andair) and occupational health and safety,should be as uniform as possible. Thiswill prevent one and the same productbeing defined as a nanomaterial in oneregulatory context and not in another.

A fAr-reACHING eU DefINITIoNIn its recommendation of October

2011 the European Commission hasresponded to the demands of the Euro-pean Parliament, many EU MemberStates and various scientific advisoryboards. In particular, it has submitted adefinition of “nanomaterial” that isapplicable in different areas of jurisdic-tion and that, in line with the precau-tionary principle, is broad in scope: ananomaterial is defined as a natural, inci-dental or manufactured material con-taining particles, in an unbound state or

as an aggregate or as an agglomerate,and where, for 50 per cent or more ofthe particles in the number size distribu-tion, one or more external dimensions isin the size range of 1 to 100 nanometres.In addition, fullerenes, graphene flakesand single-wall carbon nanotubes withone or more external dimensions below1 nanometre are likewise to be regardedas nanomaterials. In consequence, thedefinition also encompasses many finepowders and dispersions produced inindustry or found in naturally occurringmineral deposits, i.e., materials which, insome cases, have been in use for cen-turies. It is for this reason that the Euro-pean Commission expressly emphasizesthat the definition, which is exclusively interms of size, does not mean that anyproduct defined as a nanomaterial possesses hazardous properties per se.

Initially the definition will not haveany direct impact on existing EU provi-sions. It is intended to provide a refer-ence for the purposes of determiningwhether a material is to be classified as ananomaterial within the EU, for legisla-tive or political reasons. In other words,obligations can only be derived from thisdefinition insofar as it is expressly incor-porated in regulations, directives, rulesor guidelines. This is the case, for

EU to determine future legal framework for nanomaterials

Nanoparticles – caught up in red tape?

Tomogram: a detailed view inside a nanostructured material.

chemie report special09.2012 Legal affairs

Brussels is creating a fait accompli:

The European Commission has recommendeda far-reaching definition of nanomaterials.

example, in the new biocides regulation. Older definitions of nanomaterialestablished by the European Parliament are to be found, for example, inEuropean regulations on cosmetics and food labelling. A binding method ofmeasurement to determine whether a substance is to be classified as ananomaterial has yet to be developed and declared mandatory.

exISTING LAWS proVIDe ADeQUATe proTeCTIoN for peopLe AND THe eNVIroNmeNT

There now exists a broad consensus that current laws to protect peopleand the environment are also valid for nanomaterials. The present discussiontherefore focuses on the question of whether the provisions in existing legis-lation are sufficient to identify and control potential risks posed by nano-materials. Given the very broad scope of the EU definition, the VCI is of theopinion that legal consequences ought to be limited. This is because a defi-nition as broad as this is liable to cover products that demonstrably do notpossess any hazardous properties.

The VCI is helping to clarify and render more precise the provisionsrelating to nanomaterials – for example, in the Annexes of the REACH regu-lation. This requires sound judgement, since the mere fact of a substancebeing nanoscale is not itself a hazardous property. Furthermore, researchconducted both in Germany and abroad did not yield indications that thenanoproducts currently on the market harm people or the environment. Animportant task is to ensure that any new provisions are directed exclusivelytowards ascertaining potentially hazardous properties. Such provisionsshould not prescribe risk-management measures, without it being clear thatthe product actually possesses hazardous properties.

This year the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has incorporated theresults of REACH implementation projects on information requirements andchemical safety reports for nanomaterials into its own guidelines on imple-mentation of the REACH regulation. The VCI has contributed significantly tothese projects. Test methods, particularly with regard to the preparation ofsamples and dosimetry, are currently being scrutinized by the OECD andadapted where necessary. Forthcoming EU rules for products containingnanomaterials, such as cosmetics, food and biocides, will require inde-pendent risk assessment and, in some cases, labelling.

In autumn 2012 the European Commission will present the results of itssecond review of the legal framework for nanomaterials. This will primarilyfocus on how nanomaterials are to be treated in REACH. The Commissionalso plans to explain how it intends to create more transparency for authori-ties and consumers regarding those nanoproducts already on the market. Inaddition, the Commission will publish a summary of nanomaterials with infor-mation on their use and an assessment of their safety.

proDUCT reGISTerS AND LABeLLING To ensure that authorities and consumers are properly informed, con-

sumer and environmental organisations along with a number of EU MemberStates are calling for a – preferably pan-European – nanoproduct register. Inaddition, consumer organisations favour some form of indication on productpackaging. The VCI is against a general, cross-sectoral register fornanoproducts. Instead, the VCI advocates creating a greater transparency inexisting product registers for chemical substances and for product sectors. Inthe view of the chemical industry, labelling should be restricted to productscontaining substances with hazardous properties.Dr. Hans-Jürgen Klockner (klockner@vci.de)

17

Nanotechnology: The European Commission isshaping the legal framework in this sector.

chemie report specialBusiness 09.2012

18

Germany is a world leader in the field of nanotechnology

Small particles – big businessCars, machinery and pharma-ceuticals made in Germany arerightly prized around the globe.German companies are alsobecoming increasinglyrenowned worldwide for qualitynanomaterials. Indeed, nano-technology has now become asignificant economic factor inGermany.

Germany enjoys an excellent repu-tation when it comes to nanotech-nology and, together with the USAand Japan, is now one the world’stop addresses in this area. Today,German nanotech companies areinternational market leaders in seg-ments such as coating technology,nanoanalysis and printed circuits.Figures from nano.DE-Report 2011,published by Germany’s FederalMinistry of Education and Research(BMBF), underpin this assessment:of all the new nanotech patentsregistered worldwide, one in nineoriginates in Germany; only theUSA and Japan file more. Theleague table of nanotech publica-tions tells a similar story, with Ger-many in fourth place, behind theUSA, Japan and China.

Around 1,000 companies inGermany are involved in the com-mercial exploitation of nanotech-nology, whether in research anddevelopment, or in the sale ofproducts and services. As many as75 per cent of these companies aresmall or medium-sized enterprises.

This promising sector of theGerman economy currentlyemploys over 60,000 people andgenerates sales of around €14 bil-lion. Companies spend an esti-mated €1.4 billion on research intochemical aspects related to nano-technology – that’s a highlyrespectable ten per cent of rev-enues.

The chemical industry is amajor player in the nanotech sectoras well. As a survey by Germany’s

Federal Statistical Office shows,some 40 per cent of sales in thisfield are generated by companiesprimarily active in the chemicalbusiness. This makes the chemicalindustry the number one player inthis key sector, well ahead of theelectrical industry. As far asemployees in the nanotechnologyindustry – in positions subject tosocial security contributions – areconcerned, one in three works for achemicals company. In other words,the chemical industry is also by farthe largest employer in the nano-technology sector.

poWerfUL mArkeT TreNDSInternational market research

companies estimate the volume ofthe global nanotechnology marketto be around €71.9 billion (2011). Ataround €53.2 billion, by far thelargest share of this amount is gen-erated in the field of nanostruc-turing, which includes primarilylithography and coating tech-nology for the nanoelectronics seg-ment. The second largest segmentis nanomaterials, which enjoys amarket share of €8.6 billion. Themarket for nanocoatings currentlyhas a volume of around €3.6 billion,while nanoanalysis accounts for€1.4 billion. These figures are basedon the latest nano.DE-Report 2011,from the BMBF.

“Given its leverage as a so-called enabling technology, nano -technology actually has a muchgreater economic significance,”states Dr. Wolfgang Luther fromthe VDI Technologiezentrum inDüsseldorf. Luther says that nano -technology products are leading toenhanced systems and compo-nents further along the value chainin just about every sector ofindustry. However, when it comesto estimating the value added thatis generated as a result, only arough estimate is possible.According to Luther, some interna-

Nanotech covers a wide range of activities

for German companies active in this field,research and development is a main priority.

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700Number of institutions

Construction

Chemicals/materials

Services

Energy

Healthcare/pharmaceuticals

I&C

Consumer products

Mechanical engineering

Mobility

Optics

Safety technology

Textiles

Environmentaltechnology

Fields of application: the following sectors are put-ting their faith in the potential of nanotechnology

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

N

Research/development

Manufacturers of nanomaterials

Manufacturers of nanotools and nanoanalytical equipment

Manufacturers of nano-optimized components

End-product manufacturers/marketing

Services

Fields in which German nanotech firms are involved

German nanotechnologycompanies enjoy an excel-lent reputation. Successfulproducts include dirt-repel-ling materials based onnanostructures.

chemie report special09.2012 Business

19

tional forecasts are now indicatingthat the global market for nano -technology will reach a volume ofover €700 billion by 2015. Hebelieves there is a real possibility ofsingle or double-digit growth in thevarious market segments. “AndGermany’s chances of benefitingfrom this powerful market trend aregood,” he emphasizes.

No reAL oBSTACLeS To INNoVATIoN

According to nano.DE-Report2011, when it comes to marketingtheir products, the great majority ofGerman nanotech companies donot see any major obstacles toinnovation. Companies do, how-ever, identify high capital expendi-ture as the greatest impediment tocommercialization. Some compa-nies also complain about excessivebureaucracy, difficulties in sourcingfunding for long-term research,high costs for the chemical industrydue to the European REACH legis-lation, and cheap pirate products.

At the same time, nano.DE-Report 2011 reveals that “thepublic discussion on potential risksis significantly inhibiting the de-velopment of the partial segmentfor consumer-related products and nanomaterials.” Dr. GerdRomanowski, director of science,technical and environmental affairsat the German Chemical IndustryAssociation (VCI), does not mincehis words: “To meet the globalchallenges of the future, we needtechnological progress, the righteconomic framework and, aboveall, the acceptance of society.”Indeed, in order for Germany toremain a successful industrialnation, it must create a climate inwhich new ideas and processes canflourish, he says. “It is not helpful tostigmatize innovation – in areassuch as nanotechnology – merely

on the basis of an abstract concernand a fear of the new,” emphasizesRomanowski. China, for example,does not share such worries. InSuzhou, a city of approximatelyfour million inhabitants, thecountry’s largest nanotechnologycentre is nearing completion. Fromautumn onwards Chinese andWestern companies will be con-ducting nanotechnology researchhere, some 80 kilometres fromShanghai. (Ze)

Chemicals on top

Some 1,000 German companies areinvolved in nanotechnology. The majorbusiness sectors in this field are thechemicals, mechanical engineering,services and healthcare industries.

Source: www.nano-map.de; institutionsmay be assigned to more than one seg-ment and field of application.

one third of these firms produce nanomaterialsor equipment used in nanostructuring andnanoanalysis.Source: Sector survey VDI TZ 2011; n=184

300 400 500 600 700N

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Number of companies

Reader service:nano.DE-Report 2011 canbe accessed atwww.bmbf.de/pub/nanoDe-report_2011.pdf(available only in Germanversion)

Head of Science and ResearchDr. Hans-Jürgen Klockner,e-Mail: klockner@vci.de

NanomaterialsDr. Martin Reutere-Mail: reuter@vci.de

Occupational Health and SafetyDr. Heinz-Günther Schäfere-Mail: schaefer@vci.de

Press activities: nanotechnologyMonika von Zedlitze-Mail: zedlitz@vci.de, phone: +49 (0)69 2556-1473

Verband der Chemischen Industrie e. V. (VCI)

German Chemical Industry AssociationMainzer Landstraße 5560329 Frankfurt, GermanyPhone: +49 (0)69 25 56-0Fax: +49 (0)69 25 56-14 71e-mail: dialog@vci.de

Website: www.vci.de

ISSN: 1436-1736

maStheaD: reSPoNSIble PerSoN: Manfred Ritz eDItorS: Monika von Zedlitz (Head), Angelika Becker (Managing Editor), the authors of the vari-ous articles reaDer ServIce: e-mail: chemiereport@vci.de, telephone: +49 (0)69 2556-1496, fax: +49 (0)69 2556-1613 layout: Monika von Zedlitz traNS-latIoN: TransForm, Cologne Photo creDItS: Uwe Bellhäuser, Bilderwerk (16,18), BASF SE (20), BMBF (3), Hans F. Daniel (6,13,17), EMPA, Switzerland (4,6),Evonik Industries AG (10), Fotoagentur FOX, Uwe Völkner, Cologne (7), Fotolia.com, arsdigital, Heggie, Kalle Kolodziej, Andrea Krawczyk, Thomas Leonhardy, red-horst, Gina Sanders, visdia, (8,9,10,12,14,15), Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (11), Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics/Luise Schubert, Peter Werner (cover pic-ture), Merck KGaA (13), PhotodiscThinkstock (17), Demarcomedia Shutterstock (9), Thinkstock (2), TU Dresden (5) graPhIcS: Monika Nieth, mon idée

Responsible Productionand Use of Nanomaterials

German Chemical Industry Association

The German chemical industry has published several guidelines on working responsiblywith nanomaterials; www.vci.de/services/leitfaeden (some examples see right-hand).

Websites about Nanotechnology

your vcI contacts for specific topics

The VCI supports the global Responsible Care Initiative.

reSPoNSIble care

www.bmbf.de/en/nanotechnologie.phpwww.bmu.de/english/nanotechnology/nanodialog/doc/37402.phpwww.nanoobjects.infowww.dechema.de/en/start_enwww.vci.dewww.vdmi.dewww.lacke-und-farben.dewww.nanoportal-bw.dewww.hessen-nanotech.dewww.nanosafetycluster.euwww.infonano.chwww.nanoehsalliance.orgwww.oecd.orgwww.baua.de/en

VCI guidelines relating to nanomaterialsThe VCI has drawn up a series of guidelines tohelp manufacturers and customers in the supplychain to conduct activities associated with nano-materials responsibly. Besides describing the registration of nanomaterials in reACH, forexample, the guidelines address risk assess-ments, the forwarding of information along thesupply chain, safety research and the disposal ofwastes containing nanomaterials. Selected guidelines can be downloaded as follows:

ServIce chemIe rePort SPecIal 09/2012 NaNotechNology

Responsible Production and Use of Nanomaterials:http://bit.ly/S5wpSrExposure Measurement and Assessment of NanoscaleAerosols: http://bit.ly/QzaxvIRisk Assessment for Handling and Use of Nanomate-rials at the Workplace (available only in German):http://bit.ly/NzTBrh