Nanotechnology is emerging fast, with revolutionary new products already on the horizon. The list of products that are already being envisioned is mind-boggling, with applications ranging from medical breakthroughs (tiny cancer-fighting particles in the bloodstream) to the revolutionary (eliminating pollution) to the mundane (stain-resistant clothing).
RJ Lee Group has a long history of working in the characterization of particulate matter, including metals, ceramics, polymers, ink, electronic materials, paints, and all types of colloidal materials. The characterization of the nanoparticles as well as the identification of any contaminant particles in the material is critical in understanding and developing better products. Today we are on the forefront in the investigation of nanoparticles and working closely with government agencies, National Laboratories, academia and industry to evaluate and develop sampling techniques and analysis methodologies as well as analytical instrumentation that will advance our knowledge on these materials.
For example...
- The evaluation of dispersion agents and surfactants in toner and ink systems involves obtaining size and compositional information of particles on the order of 50 nm or less. The properties of these nanoparticles are important in understanding the flow and deposition of the ink onto the designated medium.
- In the beauty and health industry, the size distribution and composition of colloidal solutions in mineral supplements (~ 3nm) and suntan lotion is important in determining absorbability.
- In paints, surface coatings, and adhesives, the characteristics of the polymer nano-dispersions and emulsions are significant in understanding impact modification and strength characteristics.
- In the microelectronics industry, thin film technology requires knowledge of the thickness and composition of nanoscale layers such as gate films and oxide layers. RJLG has also worked on several projects that involved the development of nanoparticles through different processes.
- New heat treatments were being tested in order to obtain the growth of nano-carbides in the steel. The presence and dispersion of these nano-carbides can increase the wear properties as well as the strength of the stainless steel.
- In another case within the automotive industry, the growth of nanoparticles was responsible for the change in color of windshield glass from black to blue. Cross-sectional TEM revealed the migration and formation of nanoscale particles that scattered the light in such a way that the glass appeared blue instead of black.
- RJLG has also done a significant amount of TEM and high-resolution FESEM work on carbon nanotubes. In addition to imaging and sizing, the evaluation of nanometer catalyst material is essential in the growth of carbon nanotubes.
- RJLG has been working closely with national laboratories and government agencies to understand how industrial hygienists are dealing with the issues of nanoparticles in the workplace.
If you're interested in nanotechnology, make sure to highlight the month of April on your calendar. RJ Lee Group is excited to announce that Keith Rickabaugh, technical director of materials and analytical services, has co-published a paper entitled: Nanotechnology - Environmental Health and Safety Considerations. The article will be featured in the April issue of The Synergist.
In addition, RJLG looks forward to launching a new web seminar series in April addressing sampling and characterization techniques for industrial hygiene and environmental applications of nanotechnology.
Like many businesses and scientific organizations, RJLG is thrilled to be a part of this emerging field. The implications of nanotechnology in the workplace are widely unknown and must be approached with some level of caution and understanding.
Mr. Rickabaugh will host this seminar along with RJLG nanotechnology experts Gary Casuccio, Kristin Bunker, and John Mastovich. Our experts have experience in both the practical application of nanotechnology, as well as the tools the scientific community employs to understand the mechanics of the nanotechnology field.
Mr. Gary Casuccio is a vice president at RJLG and has more than 30 years experience in environmental particulate characterization. His broad background includes expertise in environmental matters, having been involved in numerous projects related to receptor modeling, dispersion modeling and source and ambient field sampling. Mr. Casuccio has given several presentations discussing sampling and analytical techniques for nanoscale materials including an invited talk at Argonne National Laboratory and at the University of Wisconsin Advanced Materials Industrial Consortium.
Dr. Kristin Bunker's current work in the field of nanotechnology has focused on using microscopy-based techniques to characterize a variety of materials including carbon black, environmental air particulate, mineral particles, welding fumes, nanoparticles, pharmaceutical materials, and carbon nanotubes. She will be giving a presentation discussing the characterization of nanoparticles with advanced SEM/STEM instrumentation at the MAS Topical Conference on the Microanalysis of Particles to be held in April.
Mr. John Mastovich has worked in the field of electron microscopy for 30 years and has focused upon the Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy related applications. He has given numerous presentations on the new Silicon Drift Detector as it applies to acquiring x-ray data on STEM nanotech applications in materials and nanoparticulates.
Stay tuned for more details regarding RJLG's nanotechnology services and programs in the near future. For more information contact info@rjlg.com.
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