Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Nanofibers are traditionally defined as nanostructures with a diameter below
1000 nm and a length-to-width ratio typically greater than 50.
The origins of nanofibers can be traced back to the end of the 19th century,
when the physical phenomena occurring during the electrospinning process were
first observed. Since then, however, nanofibers have been produced in limited
quantities, typically in a laboratory setting, largely due to very low process
throughput.
During the last 6 years, the number of research activities resulting in patent
applications and issued patents has increased rapidly, by almost a factor of
15, leading to the development of mass-production fabrication methods,
innovative compositions, and a large variety of applications spanning many
industrial sectors.
The growing interest in the utilization of these nanostructures primarily
stems from their unique physical, mechanical, and electrical properties
associated with their very high surface area. These properties make nanofibers
suitable for the creation of numerous technologically advanced products within
many fields of application. With development activities related to nanofiber
technology intensifying rapidly, one can reasonably project that these
nanostructures will achieve widespread commercialization within the next 5 to
10 years.
The primary reason for doing this study is to establish a market overview of
the nanofiber industry by quantifying sales of these materials based on their
types and fields of application.
There is also a need to evaluate the current status and future trends of the
nanofiber industry from a global standpoint. As use of this technology
expands, information on regional production, sales, and type of suppliers,
becomes more valuable.
Another important reason for performing this study is to supply a review of
nanofiber manufacturing methods, to identify current technical issues, and to
illustrate the latest technological developments and how they will affect
market expansion.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Descriptions of various types of nanofibers, their fabrication methods,
and current and potential applications for each type of nanofiber
- The current market status of nanofibers, trends, and forecasts of growth
over the next 5 to 10 years
- Technological issues, including the latest process developments
- A discussion of the nanofiber industry on a worldwide basis from the
standpoint of both manufacturing and consumption
- An examination of commercial and public research activities in major
regions of the world; research objectives and areas of interest related to
nanofiber fabrication processes and applications are also outlined.
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