THE USE OF NANOPARTICLES AS COATINGS

Ultrafine particles having diameters in the range larger than 1 mum and less than 1 mum can be called nanoparticles. Chemically pure nanoparticles are usually produced by evaporation and condensation in a controlled environment. Scientific engineers may consider nanoparticles as materials suitable for the fabrication of micrometer-sized elements of macroproducts, while scientists consider the atomic and electronic structure and properties of nanoparticles. We previously proposed a deposition and/or erosion process called the gas deposition process, where nanoparticles entrained in a tiny carrier gas jet collide and are deposited onto a target substrate (Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 23 (1984) L910-L912). The electrical circuit pattern (approximately 40 mum width), the capacitor (BaTiO3), oxide superconducting contacts (yttrium, bismuth) etc. are examples of components of the process. Analysis of the thermal behavior of nanoparticles during the process will be discussed. We believe that this process or any other pollution-free and localized process should be developed as a bridging technology between the macro and atomic worlds.