Advances in Nanotechnology to Revolutionize Smart Materials Technology 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, microfluidics, 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 mission statements, GPS provides an actionable vision to growth consulting partners by illustrating how key intelligence and strategic research based on defined goals can guide day-to-day behavior and overall company direction. The foundation of Frost & Sullivan's 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. Benefits of this Service Provides Valuable Insight into Advances in Smart Material Technologies This technical insight defines key markets, applications, technology drivers, as well as the obstacles in the way of commercial success of smart material technologies. Information Regarding Breakthrough Research This research service provides a detailed overview of technological advances in development laboratories, key companies, and academic and state-run research laboratories. It identifies key developing organizations and their scientists and researchers. This facilitates estimation of timelines for commercializing technology. Direct Contact Information for Potential Collaborations and Acquisitions The analysis identifies licensing technology and key participants to enable end users to harness lightweight materials technology by providing a detailed list of key contacts including names, titles, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and URLs. Enables End Users to Be Proactive Rather than Reactive This research service focuses on key applications for smart material technologies detailing their uniqueness. Learning about individual developments, instead of merely general trends, will enable end users to pin point advancements that best suit their needs. Harness Solid Reputation Instead of Advice from a Biased Internal Source Frost & Sullivan and Technical Insights enjoy a reputation of being world leaders in market and technology consulting and have gained the respect of the worlds financial and industrial community for unbiased reporting and analysis of market and technical developments. Apply Cost-Effective Research Instead of Draining Internal Budgets Using Frost & Sullivan and Technical Insights as strategic partners gives a client cost savings advantages: reduced start-up time, access to huge industry databases, and a decrease in staff and overhead expenses. Technologies The following technologies are covered in this research:

Smart Materials: These are materials that respond to changes in external stimuli such as humidity, pH, temperature and pressure. Smart Systems: This is a system comprising of several smart materials aimed at performing a specific function. Shape Memory Alloys: These are a class of alloy materials capable of changing their

shape under varying conditions of heat and cold.

Phase Transformation: This is the process in which a material changes its phase in order to tune its performance.