Background? (Not sure what this is called)
editThe realization of the numerous applications and benefits of nano-scale systems in everyday materials, electronics, medicine, energy conservation, sustainability, and transportation has led to research in developing techniques to produce these nano-systems on a larger-scale and at higher rates.[1] Programs, organizations, and institutions like the NNI, NNN, and the Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN) are currently working towards funding research and developing ways to transition nanotechnology research into economic, sustainable and reliable industry-scale nanomanufacturing techniques.[2] [3]
An example of such technology is the Nanoscale Offset Printing System (NanoOps) which was developed by researchers at the Center of High-rate Nanomanufacturing in Northeastern University.[4]The NanoOps is a form of directed assembly which is faster and more economic than traditional 3D printing of nanosystems. Ahmed Busnaina, who was the head lead of the project and featured in the film From Lab to Fab: Pioneers in Nano-manufacturing describes the system as a printing press. An etched template with nano wires is dipped in a solution with nano particles which acts as the ink for the press.[5] The nanoparticles adhere to the template when electricity is applied to the solution.[4] The template with the attached nano particles can then be taken out of the solution and pressed onto any material of choice. According to Busnaina, the whole process only costs 1% of conventional manufacturing and can reduce manufacturing time from days to minutes.[4]
Challenges of Nanomanufacturing
editThe transitioning of nanotechnology from lab demonstrations to industrial-scale manufacturing a number has a number of challenges, some of which include:
- Developing production techniques that are economic and produce viable yield[2]
- Controlling the precision of the assembly of nanostructures[2][6]
- Testing reliability and establishing methods for defect control. Currently, defect control in the semiconductor industry is non-selective and takes 20-25% of the total manufacturing time. Removal of defects for nano-scale system is projected to take up much more time because it requires selective and careful removal of impurities.[6]
- Maintaining nano-scale properties and quality of nano-system during high-rate and high volume production as well as during the lifetime of the product after production[2][6]
- Assessing the environmental, ethical and social impacts[7]
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- ^ "Benefits and Applications | Nano". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
- ^ a b c d "NSI: Sustainable Nanomanufacturing-- Creating the Industries of the Future | Nano". www.nano.gov. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
- ^ "About the National Nanomanufacturing Network | InterNano". www.internano.org. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
- ^ a b c "NanoOPS: From Lab To Fab : NEU Nanomanufacturing". nano.server281.com. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
- ^ "3Qs: The 3-D printing of tomorrow | news @ Northeastern". www.northeastern.edu. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
- ^ a b c Busnaina, Ahmed (2007). Nanomanufacturing Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC press: Taylor and Francis Group. pp. 3–16. ISBN 0-8493-3326-1.
- ^ "Goals & Mission : NEU Nanomanufacturing". nano.server281.com. Retrieved 2016-02-16.