Summary

Nanotechnology is understood as the characterization, type, production and use of structures and systems the exact size and shape of which must be measured on a nanometric scale. For these reasons, the ability to handle selectively materials of nanometric size has led the industry to develop raw materials with new properties and significant advantages as compared to the macro-scopic world. Thus new products are being designed, or have been designed, which present such innovative featu-res, also in terms of their applications, as to have already influenced our current lifestyle. A case in point is the wireless telephone! According to the US National Science Foundation, the global nano-products market will register a turnover of over 1,000 billion dollars a year in the next 10-15 years! And the key to the growth of this market will be the development of technology that allows products with enhanced unique properties and functionality to move from the laboratory to commercial pro-ducts. Nanotechnology will therefore be able to spearhead innovation, giving new impetus to a globalized and ever faster trade