Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies and Defense and National Security implications.

We would like to welcome and encourage you to post items of interest to the nanomaterials and nanotechnologies community at large, especially defense-related and national-security applications. This blog is dedicated to exploring and discussing the implications of nanomaterial sand nanotechnologies on defense and national security of all countries. Examples of topics for discussion may include, but are not limited to, nanomaterials for explosives, propellants, etc. (energetics, in general); chemical-agent-resistant coatings (CARC); biomedical applications; camouflage (visible, IR/laser, etc.) applications; WMD detection and neutralization; armor (transparent and nontransparent, ceramic-/polymer-based) ) and anti-armor applications; terrestrial vehicular components (spark plugs, glow plugs, engine coolants, etc.); and aerospace components (this list is not at all all-inclusive, but only just illustrative). Another example might be how nanomaterials and nanotechnologies could affect the balance of power in the world - power could be economic and/or military. We ask you that you post constructive information ands that you not post personal, defamatory, or derogatory, information. We thank you, in advance, for your active participation and exchange of ideas!

To me, specifically, two countries are of great interest - China and the U. S. How do we - nanomaterials scientists/engineers/nanotechnologists and others - see the U. S.' and China's investment in the nanomaterials and nanotechnologies field? Should the U. S. be concerned about the Chinese nanotechnology spending? If yes, how much should it be concerned? What about India? Taiwan? South Korea? Singapore? European countries - Germany, the U. K., France, etc.? I feel that China and India are real threats to the U. S. dominance, because of their raw purchasing parity; i. e., $1 will go much further in China and India than in the U. S. Also, I strongly believe that nanotechnology is an amalgam of all the disciplines (engineering and life sciences). China and India graduate a significantly higher number of students in these disciplines than any other developed nation. Hence, these two countries are quite well-positioned to surpass the U. S. In my opinion, the U. S. should foster the nanotechnology industry just as it did (if not significantly better) manufacturing sector during WWII. The U. S. is already falling behind (despite almost a $1 billion in NNI spending). Let us hear your opinions. Good starter links for this blog could be:

• http://www.foia.cia.gov/2020/2020.pdf

• http://www.odci.gov/cia/reports/globaltrends2015/globaltrends2015.pdf

• http://www.odci.gov/nic/PDF_GIF_research/globtechrev/rand.pdf

• http://www.odci.gov/nic/research_globtechrev.html

• http://www.odci.gov/nic/NIC_researchsupported.html http://www.futurebrief.com/resources.asp

Best,

Nanoguru.