Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

NANOMAGNETICS: MATERIALS, DEVICES AND MARKETS

NAN033B April 2013

Lori Tucker Project Analyst

ISBN: 1-56965-191-4

BCC Research 49 Walnut Park, Building 2 Wellesley, MA 02481 866-285-7215, 781-489-7301 www.bccresearch.com Custom Reports: carol.laverty@bccresearch.com

NAN033B - Nanomagnetics: Materials, Devices and Markets

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES In 2007, the Nobel Prize Committee stated that, Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) can be considered one of the first real applications of the promising field of nanotechnology. Nanomagnetic materials and products in general and GMR in particular still represent the most mature and widely used examples of nanotechnology and nanoscale materials. With this promise in mind, the primary objective of this report is twofold: to identify current, emerging and futuristic applications for nanomagnetic materials and devices, and to evaluate actual and potential markets by application and type.

REASONS FOR DOING THE REPORT The properties of nanostructured magnetic materials and devices are extraordinarily different from those of conventional magnetic systems. Esoteric technical terms such as exchange coupling, giant magnetoresistance, single-domain behavior, superparamagnetism and tunneling magnetoresistance all describe some of the unique characteristics and behavior obtainable from nanomagnetic particles, films and bulk materials. Interesting science is nice, certainly, but practical, revenue-generating applications are even better. It turns out that the properties of nanomagnetic systems are enabling a variety of actual and potential commercial uses, from data storage technology and nonvolatile memory to industrial sensors and cancer treatment. Some nanomagnetic products have been on the market for years or even decades, while others have yet to reach commercialization. The gamut of these nanomagnetic materials and devices is covered in this report, including products based on particles or dispersions, nanoscale thin films and bulk nanostructured materials. Current and future applications of nanomagnetic materials and devices directly impact biotechnology, industrial products and information storage. Some products, especially in the area of magnetic storage media, rely exclusively on nanomagnetic materials. Other products could be revolutionized by recent nanomagnetic material and processing developments.

SCOPE OF THE REPORT This report greatly expands and updates BCC Researchs 2004 report on nanomagnetics, materials and devices, including forecasted market growth and applications though 2017 in the following technology and applications:
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Sensors: Biosensors and bioassays. Giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensors. Separation

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NAN033B - Nanomagnetics: Materials, Devices and Markets

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Imaging Data storage: Magnetic tapes. Hard disks. Recording heads. Magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) Medical and genetics Others: Nanocrystalline soft magnetic cores. Magnetic fluids seals. Thermal transfer Catalysts Environmental remediation.
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METHODOLOGY The report identifies current, emerging and experimental applications and evaluates actual and potential markets by application and type. Throughout the report, past market data is expressed in current dollars, and estimates and projections are in constant 2012 dollars. Historic 2011 markets and the projected markets for 2012 and 2017 are provided. Most market summaries are based on a consensus scenario. Pessimistic, consensus and optimistic market scenarios characterize several developmental markets. Totals are rounded to the nearest million dollars. When appropriate, information from previously published sources is identified to allow a more detailed examination by clients. The study also includes a discussion on both public and private companies active in research and/or development, to include company profiles, applicable patents and geographical trends and forecasts.

INTENDED AUDIENCE This study is a valuable resource for those who need to understand the technological and market impact of magnetic materials and devices based on nanotechnology, and for decision makers in companies or institutions that:
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Manufacture, process or sell magnetic nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, microspheres, ferrofluids, thin films and bulk materials. Develop or fabricate devices based on nanomagnetic materials, such as GMR heads, hard disks, MRAM or biosensors. Are seeking partners for their nanomagnetic commercialization efforts. Provide consulting, public relations or other services to the nanotechnology community. Are planning to make investments or acquisitions in the nanotech space. Produce or market conventional magnetic materials and devices. Develop competing technologies or products in areas in which nanomagnetic materials and devices will have (or are already having) an impact, including:

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NAN033B - Nanomagnetics: Materials, Devices and Markets

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Biomedical imaging agents. Biosensors or bioassays. Bioseparations media or equipment. Data, video and audio storage products. Drug delivery and disease treatment technologies. Industrial seals. Industrial sensors. Nonvolatile memory. Soft magnetic cores.

INFORMATION SOURCES The information and analyses contained in this document are based on both primary and secondary sources of information. Dozens of industry participantsexecutives, salespeople, managers, engineers and otherswere interviewed by telephone and email to obtain information for this study, including company statistics, technical details, viewpoints about industry issues and input about market data and trends. Other information was gleaned from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office online database, annual reports and other SEC filings, company press releases and websites, scientific and trade publications and BCC Research reports and newsletters.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS Lori Tucker has more than 13 years of experience in market analysis, technical and technology documentation, and business research including work at Bechtel and the Houston Chronicle. She has extensive experience in business, government and academic procurement and contracting.

RELATED REPORTS
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NAN028A Nanocatalysts NAN032A Nanofilms: Markets and Technologies NAN031E Nanotechnology: A Realistic Market Assessment NAN030A Nanomaterials in Nanoelectronics NAN017F Nanostructured Materials: Electronic/Magnetic/Optoelectronic NAN024E Global Markets and Technologies for Carbon Nanotubes

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NAN033B - Nanomagnetics: Materials, Devices and Markets

BCC ONLINE SERVICES BCC offers an online information retrieval service. BCCs home page, located at www.bccresearch.com, enables readers to:
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Examine BCCs complete catalog of Business Opportunity Reports and place direct orders. Subscribe to any of BCCs many industry newsletters. Read announcements of recently published reports and newly launched newsletters. Register for BCCs well-known conferences. Request additional information on any BCC product. Take advantage of special offers.

DISCLAIMER The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature. This information does not constitute managerial, legal or accounting advice; nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is speculative in nature. The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.

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