Nanotechnology is a technology based on the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules to build structures to complex, atomic specifications.

While many definitions for nanotechnology exist, DFI concurs with the National Nanotechnology Initiative (1) definition, which denominates “nanotechnology" only if it involves all of the following:

1. Research and technology development at the atomic, molecular or macromolecular levels, in the length scale of approximately 1 - 100 nanometer range.
   
   
2. Creating and using structures, devices and systems that have novel properties and functions because of their small and/or intermediate size.
   
   
3. Ability to control or manipulate on the atomic scale.
   
   

DFI’s coating, a patented process, works at nanoscale levels, approximately 30 nanometers. The change of the molecular composition of the silica-based surface created by DFI’s chemistry and bonding nanoparticles, along with the cross-linking, branching, and final ‘capping’, enables the full efficiency of the coating process at an atomic scale.

The nanoscale is about a thousand times smaller than micro that is, about 1/80,000 of the diameter of a human hair. Approximately 3 to 6 atoms can fit inside of a nanometer, depending on the atom. The prefix nano means ten to the minus ninth power, or one billionth. Nanoscale technologies are the development and use of devices that have a size of only a few nanometers.

Nanotechnology has the potential to profoundly change our economy and to improve our standard of living, in a manner not unlike the impact made by advances over the past two decades by information technology.

Numerous products featuring the unique properties of nanoscale materials are available to consumers and industry today. Nanotechnology is used in electronic, magnetic and optoelectronic, biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, energy, chemical-mechanical polishing, magnetic recording tapes, sunscreens, automotive catalyst supports, biolabeling, electroconductive coatings and optical fibers.

Although the main applications of Nanotechnology have been developed in the computer and electronics fields, some other current uses that are already in the marketplace include:

• Stain-free clothing
  
• Coatings for easier cleaning of glass surfaces
  
• Bumpers and catalytic converters on cars
  
• Protective and glare-reducing coatings for eyeglasses and cars
  
• Sunscreens and cosmetics
  
• Longer-lasting tennis balls
  
• Light-weight, stronger tennis racquets
  
• Ink
  
• Water filtration
  
• Step assists on vans
  

(1) The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a federal (US) R&D program established to coordinate the multiagency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. The goals of the NNI are to:

1. conduct R&D to realize the full potential of this revolutionary technology;
   
2. develop the skilled workforce and supporting infrastructure needed to advance R&D;
   
3. better understand the social, ethical, health, and environmental implications of the technology; and,
   
4. facilitate transfer of the new technologies into commercial products.
   

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