Abstract
The advent of nanotechnology is set to accelerate development of improved and
sophisticated smart material technologies. Researchers are now considering the
possibilities of designing, altering, and controlling material structure at
nanoscale levels in order to enhance material performance and process efficacy.
The advancements in nanomaterials are expected to increase product quality and
performance, and they are finding acceptance in diverse applications such as
sensors and electronic devices. Nanosensor particles assist in creating tools
for analyzing living cells and serve as reporters in industrial process
monitoring. In the future, smart materials are likely to derive their success
from nanotechnology that is likely to be instrumental in creating more varied,
complex, and intelligent systems.
This Frost & Sullivan research service focuses on the global trends and
developments in smart material technologies. The study covers developments at
various universities, R&D centers at leading companies, and other research
institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. It also discusses
the various drivers and restraints that govern the global smart materials
market. Participants can identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the
competition, and stay shoulder-to-shoulder with critical developments.
Smart Materials Expected to Cater to Diverse Applications
The advances and improvements in smart materials allow them to cater to a
diverse set of applications, especially in the defense, aerospace, healthcare,
electronics, and semiconductor industries. Although very few of these
applications are at present commercially viable, their potential for future
acceptance is irrefutable. "Smart materials are particularly useful for
cellular production," observes the analyst. "With the addition of
cellular fluid and by regulating the cells shape and mechanical conditions,
smart materials -- especially polymers -- can mimic these cells interactions
and exhibit effective results."
The computer industry is also adopting smart materials for read/write head
micropositioners and next-generation data storage devices. Researchers are
developing piezo-accelerometers that anticipate and correct head-motion-related
read/write errors. In the healthcare markets, smart material technologies are
making their way into several analytical devices for detecting and diagnosing
complex medical conditions. With future advances, smart materials are also
likely to be useful for fabricating insulin pumps and drug delivery devices.
New Technologies Increase the Pace of Research into Smart Materials
For faster development of innovative smart materials, base technologies such
as robotics, micro-fluidics, and micromachining need to be brought on par with
the production requirements of the materials. "The successful integration
of the hardware and software based infrastructures accompanied by the
application of combinatorial chemistry is set to increase technology development
in the field of smart materials and systems by leaps and bounds," observes
the analyst. High-throughput screening (HTS) consisting of hardware interface
tools for technology assessment, decision control, and logistics is also
expected to accelerate research into smart materials.
Frost & Sullivan Growth Partnership Service
Based on extensive and in-depth research, real-world consulting work, and new
theories tested in hundreds of companies across many industries, Frost &
Sullivan has evolved its Growth Partnership Services (GPS) program that provides
established and emerging firms with powerful growth visions. Moving beyond token
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defined goals can guide day-to-day behavior and overall company direction. The
foundation of Frost & Sullivans GPS includes:
- Assisting companies to reach their full potential in the core business
- Providing growth strategies to help companies expand into related
businesses
- Preemptively redefining the core business during market turbulence
- Applying the Frost & Sullivan framework to identify and address common
mistakes resulting from misaligned corporate strategies
- Recommending growth management strategies through continuous partnership
To maximize the potential for growth within a firms internal and external
environment, Frost & Sullivan consultants can facilitate the creation of
strategic programs that deliver improved market success. Frost & Sullivans
strengths lie in combining strategic understanding with market expertise and
applying these with absolute commitment to its clients growth.
Table of Contents
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction and Study Highlights
- Introduction
- Study Highlights
Scope and Methodology
2 SMART MATERIALS - AN OVERVIEW
What are Smart Materials?
- Smart Materials and Smart Systems
- Phase Transformations
Evolution and Kinds of Smart Materials
- Evolution of Smart Materials
- The Need for Smart Materials
3 TYPES OF SMART MATERIALS
Piezoelectric; Electrocromic Materials and Shape Memory Alloys
- Piezoelectric; Electrostrictive and Magnetostrictive materials
- Electrochromism and Electrochromic Systems
- Shape Memory Alloys
Fullerenes; Smart Gels and Rheological Materials
- Fullerenes
- Engineering Gels
- Rheological Materials
4 APPLICATIONS OF SMART MATERIALS
Application Analysis: Peizoelectric and Electroactive Materials
- Peizoelectric Films
- Electroactive Paper Actuators
- Peizoelectric Fibers
- Peizoelectric Composites
Applications Analysis: Thermoresponsive and Electrocromic Materials
- Radionuclides
- Electrocromic Materials
Application Analysis: Electrostrictive; Magnetostrictive; and Rheological
Materials
- Electrostrictive and Magnetostrictive Materials
- Rheological Materials
Application Analysis: Fullerenes and Smart Gels
- Carbon Nanotube Composites and Fullerenes
- Bucky Balls
5 TECHNOLOGY VIEWPOINT: AEROSPACE; DEFENSE; HEALTHCARE; AND CHEMICAL
INDUSTRIES
Technology Viewpoint: Aerospace and Defence
- 3D Polymeric Microstructures for Aerospace Applications--USA
- Novel Aerogels for Aerospace Applications--USA
- High-Tech Materials Developed to Aid Space Exploration--USA
- Self-Reinforced Amorphous Plastics--USA
Technology Viewpoint: Pharmaceutical and Healthcare
- Slides for Multiplexed Microarraying--USA
- Biomaterial for Effective Drug Delivery--Japan
- Biomotors Enhance Medical Efficacy--USA
- Glue-Like Polymers as Suture Substitues--USA
- NanoBiochips--USA
- Novel Foam Developed To Combat Viruses--USA
- Medical Safery of Nanomaterials--USA
- Biocidal Nanotubes through Self-Assembly--USA
- MPC Polymeric Coatings for Joint Implants--Japan
- Hydroxyapatite Composites for Biomedical Applications--USA
- Molecular Switch for Biochemical Reactions--USA
- Microsphere Developed for Better Drug Delivery--China
- Zirconium Tungstate for Dental Filling--USA
Technology Viewpoint: Chemicals and Specialty Materials
- High-Temperature Polymer for Injection Molding--USA
- Novel Silk Via Biomimetic Spinning--UK
- New Cathodic Materials for Batteries--India
- Vapor Deposition Precursors for Semiconductors--USA
- Novel Glass for Tinting Applications-UK
- High-Performance Nanoclay Concentrates--USA
- Nanoscale Elevators to Control Chemical Reactions--The Netherlands
- Novel Coatings for Glass Fibers--Germany
6 TECHNOLOGY VIEWPOINT: ELECTRONICS; SEMICONDUCTORS; AUTOMOTIVE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRIES
Technology Viewpoint: Electronics and Semiconductors
- New Buckyballs To Process Information--Canada
- Novel Material with Carbon Nanotube Properties--USA
- Novel Silicon Carbide-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix-- Spain
- Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors-- Canada
- "Cold Molecule" Heralds Existence of a New State of Matter--USA
- Graphitic Films for Microelectronics--UK
- Nanocables for Field Effect Transistors--USA
- Nanoflowers from Crystalline Silicon--UK
- Free-Standing SWNT Fuel Cell Electrodes--USA
- Carbon Nanotube Yarns Yield Conductive Materials--USA
- Nanotrees Open avenues to 3D Photonic Structures--Sweden
- Smart Carpet Revolutionizes Carpeting--Germany
- Cadmium Sulfide Nanorod Templates from DNA Membranes--USA
- Sensitive Low Power Chips for Mobile Communications--Germany
- Nanomechanical Switches for Data Storage--USA
- Optoelectronic Fibers for Photodetectors--USA
- Thick Fabric for Electronics Applications--UK
Technology Viewpoint: Automotive and Environmental
- Novel Oxide Materials Enhance Fuel Cell Performance--USA
- Novel Polypropylene Polymer Composite-- The Netherlands
- Engineered Materials Enhance Automotive Parts Moldability--USA
- Plastic-Metal Hybrid Material with Excellent Thermoelectric
Properties--Germany
- Ceria Powders Improve Automobile Exhaust Systems--India
- PPA Coatings for Automotive Applications--USA
7 TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND COMMERCIALIZATION
Market and Regulatory Factors
- Market Factors
- Regulatory Factors
Technology Accelerators and Barriers
- Technology Accelerators
- Technology and Product Development Barriers
Assessment of Technology Innovation
- North America
- Europe and Asia Pacific
8 PATENTS AND GLOSSARY
Patents and Glossary
- Key Patents - I (US)
- Key Patents- II (EUROPEAN; JAPANESE)
- Glossary
9 FROST & SULLIVAN 2005 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
Excellence in Technology Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
Excellence in Research Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
Technology Innovation Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
10 CRITICAL REFERENCE TABLES
Decision Support Database Tables
- Mobile Handsets Installed Base (Millions); by Region; 1996-2004
- Printed Circuit Board Sales (Million USD); by Region; 1998-2004
- Number of Heart Transplants; by Region; 1999-2003
- Vehicles in Operation (Thousand Units); by Region; 1996-2004
- Total Vehicle Production (Units); by Region; 1996-2004
