Research and development
The laboratory pictures below show just how fantastic and beautiful to the human eye some invisible structures can be.
Invisible structures of hidden beauty – nanotechnology operates in the realm of atoms and molecules that can only be visualised with sophisticated, specialist microscopes. In the “realm of the dwarf” (“nanos” means ‘dwarf’ in Greek), different laws apply to the ones we’re familiar with. These new interactions and mechanisms make nanotechnology so exciting – and so worthwhile for a whole range of different applications. However the realm of the dwarf is often still an unchartered one. This is why research and development in this field is so vitally important. The aim is to improve product characteristics or even enable them through nanostructures or effects.
This is why NanoSky is making its own efforts in this domain and is joining forces with leading partners from the world of science in order to extend the knowledge of NanoSky's areas of application. These especially include the construction sector at the moment, but corrosion and fire protection are also key areas of interest. NanoSky also collaborates with the Thöne specialist laboratory in Lage (Lippe). Gerd Thöne, who holds over 50 patents in this area, is one of Germany’s greatest pioneers of nanotechnology. NanoSky has also signed cooperation agreements with various universities, such as the University of Natural Resources in Vienna. To support the company’s research work, a nanotechnology research department has been set up in the Department of Building Engineering and Natural Hazards, which NanoSky is providing financial backing for. The current projects are primarily geared towards introducing nanotechnology into the construction industry. Other research projects are currently ongoing with the University of Innsbruck and Freiburg (Breisgau).
The technologies and innovations developed by NanoSky are especially ideal for giving surfaces on various materials such as concrete, ceramic, glass or polymers special properties. The research and development work carried out by NanoSky is aimed at achieving new or improved functions on the basis of nanoscience and passing these improvements on to customers. Research and development are absolutely crucial for this.
Below are two examples from our research activities.
Molybdenum
Lubricant for high-performance engines
There are, or were, oil additives based on molybdenum disulphide which unfortunately suffered from the disadvantage that the particles are too large and do not deliver optimum performance. It must be remembered that molybdenum has a hardness of 5.5 Mohs. 1 litre weighs 10,280 grams and the metal has a lamellar structure. Molybdenum is also non-magnetic and only melts at 2,623°C or 2,896 K (Kelvin). In view of these properties, it is used as a heat shield in rockets or space shuttles. Otherwise it can be found in high-performance alloys that would be impossible without molybdenum. Molybdenum, like silicon, is virtually indestructible.
No health or environmental problems!
Significantly quieter engine running, less friction between the moving, lubricated parts, less heat production, and therefore also no cooling problems for twin-stroke engines without forced ventilation in hot areas, low fuel consumption, emergency running properties in the event of oil loss, operation at high speeds over long distances without the usual "piston seizure", 10% fuel savings and therefore also CO2 savings.
Cigarette filters and water pipe filters
Filters for tobacco
There are minerals that are able, through ion exchange, to crack unpleasant substances and break them down into harmless components. The mineral we use acts like a natural catalytic converter once it has been processed to a special size and charged with nanosilicon.
One approach for resolving the problem of harmful substances in cigarettes and water pipes is to preserve the taste and enjoyment of the cigarettes and water pipes, leave the ‘handling’ as it is, yet eliminate the harmful substances.
The mineral filter from NanoSky exhibits very clear effectiveness at retaining harmful substances.