Small Particles — Big Impact
In the Chemicals Business Area of Evonik Industries, nanotechnology is an important pillar of our innovation strategy. We use nanotechnology to develop innovative products and efficient problem solutions that contribute significantly to environmental protection, comfort, health, and mobility, allow sustainable growth, and create jobs. We see huge opportunities, for example, in safe lithium-ion batteries for mobile electronics and cars, in scratch-resistant coatings, and in reliable sunscreens.
We regard the responsible handling of new technologies as an integral part of our business activities. We also keep ourselves comprehensively informed on nanotechnology and participate in the social debate surrounding the subject.
What is nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is a collective term for a large number of innovations and developments. Common to all of these is the investigation, production, and utilization of very small structures of size up to about 100 nanometers. One nanometer (nm) is one millionth of a millimeter. We have decades of experience in the production of nanostructured materials. We use this knowledge to develop new nanomaterials and creative system solutions.
Well protected
Whether on the beach or the ski slope, nanomaterials come into their own in sunscreens. For a particularly high light protection factor, Evonik relies here on nanostructured inorganic UV filters that are proven to be highly effective and safe.
Easy debonding
For adhesion at the push of a button, Evonik has developed an outstanding product concept: MagSilica®. Minute iron oxide particles form the base of a rapidly curing nano adhesive that can easily be debonded at a later time. In automotive construction, for example, this allows weight, time, and energy to be saved in the bonding of materials such as plastics.
More power to the environment
In the automotive sector, the minuscule particles have an effect out of all proportion to their size. Using nanotechnology, Evonik has developed SEPARION®, a novel separator membrane for safer lithium-ion batteries, which supports more widespread use of fuel-saving hybrid vehicles. The combination of combustion and electric engines effects gas savings of up to 30 percent, and reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions proportionately.
