ABSTRACT
Carbon is the sixth element in the periodic table and of the same importance to nanotechnology as is silicon to electronics. Even though carbon holds the 17th place in terrestrially available elements, with a portion of 1:1300 to silicon as the second most terrestrially available element, carbon is one of the most important elements at the same time since it is essential for the structure of any organic material. Its midposition in the periodic table allows interaction with both electropositive and electronegative reactants to form stable substances. The multitude of allotrope carbon materials partly shows totally opposing characteristics, making carbon one of the most interesting materials in current research. These materials are
in focus of intense research and promise numerous applications in the fields of electronics, medicine, and diverse other nano-enabled tech nologies. One of the hot topics in carbon-based materials is still carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanodiamond. Despite their major technological advantages to classical materials mass market applications for these novice materials are not existent yet. The main reason is their high price caused by low availability. However, niche markets could prove to be drivers for scaling up nanomaterials if certain quantities can be produced to beat down the price and hence enable the use of carbon-based nanomaterials in other areas. Apart from the scientific and technological aspects this chapter mainly discusses the economical chances and barriers of CNTs and nanodiamond. In this context also the technological readiness level of possible application fields is discussed, and a general market overview with corresponding drivers and barriers is given. 8.1 Introduction
Carbon-based materials and especially carbon nanotubes (CNTs) represent one of the most research intensive areas within nanotechnology. Their extraordinary material properties have given rise to numerous application scenarios since the early 1990s. These include new composite materials, electrode coatings, energy storage, sensors, alternative flat-panel display technologies, novel nanoelectronic components, pharmaceutics, and biomedical applications. Due to the wide range of applications, CNTs are relevant for many industries. In many areas, CNTs are still in an early research stage; however, recently first applications have been leaving the development laboratories. Above all, mechanically reinforced CNT plastics are increasingly being commercialized. Often, these are lifestyle and sports products in which the reference to new high-tech materials can be effectively advertised. Also, the production of electrically conductive composites, coatings, lacquers, and paints is gaining importance, and these are flowing into marketable products. So far CNT-based products have largely addressed niche markets; however, due to increased industrial production capacities, CNTs are decreasing in cost, stimulating further expansion, particularly in the composite sector.
