By: MICHAEL CAROLINA Business Viewpoint
Tulsa World

Oklahoma is investing in nanotechnology at a time when other states are doing the same. Given comparative budgets and population numbers, many states invest more than we do. That fact begs the question, why should Oklahoma invest in nanotechnology at all?

Nanotechnology is the science and manipulation of materials at the molecular level. It is loosely defined as the study of functional structures with dimensions in the range of 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers. A nanometer is one thousand millionth of a meter. That means you and I cannot see nanoparticles without benefit of a special microscope.

The range of applications is far reaching. Examples include crash-resistant car doors, improved materials for aviation and aerospace, medical applications, lighter tennis rackets, nano-coated clothing that resists liquid stains, energy efficient insulation, etc.

Some might argue that given Oklahoma's limited investment, we should ignore nanotechnology altogether and leave nanotechnology research and development to other states.

That could be true -- until you consider companies such as SouthWest NanoTechnology in Norman. The firm manufacturers high-quality carbon nanotubes and is on track to increase production by 30 times with costs (per gram of material) to drop by 90 percent.

That will effectively make Oklahoma the producer of choice for single-wall carbon nanotubes, a technology that can replace steel fabrication, conduct heat and cold more efficiently, provide advanced materials for space and -- well, you get the picture.

Martin Bionics of Oklahoma City is owned by Jay Martin, who is developing uses for super hydrophobic nanoparticle powder that amputees can spray onto prosthetic devices to repel perspiration and spilled liquids. That is but one of several products this modern company is preparing for amputees.

Access Optics of Broken Arrow uses nanoparticles to improve the glass-to-metal seal for endoscopic lenses used in medical applications.

Central Oklahoma's Rupture Pin Technology applies carbon nanotubes in the manufacture of elastomers used to make "O" rings for pressure-relief valves. The valves are designed for high-pressure applications, which could be helpful in Oklahoma's oil and gas fields.

Those are but a few examples of nanotechnology applications in Oklahoma. All hold great promise for producing quality jobs. Our state invests less than $2 million per year in support of nanotechnology. Given the future development and applications of this science and technology, it is probably not enough.  

Nanotech conference

To learn more about nanotechnology in the state, attend the NanoFocus and Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR Annual Conference, scheduled for March 6-7 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. Admission is free, but registration is required at www.tulsaworld.com/oknano.

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