Kazakhstan nanotechnologists working on diamond coating

Kazakhstan lacks the experts for implementation of nanotechnologies and creation of high-tech production, Aleksander Ryaguzov, head of Optical and Electric Research Methods Laboratory of the National Open-Type Nanotechnology Laboratory (NOTNL) told Tengrinews.kz. Development of nanotechnologies in the country is currently at the experimental stage. For example, the NOTNL of Al-Farabi Kazakh State University is working on creation of DLS (diamond-like carbon) coating. An ion-plasma spraying unit has been specially acquired for this purpose. These technologies can be used for creation of materials of high hardness and wear-resistance. Such coatings are used for production of industrial drilling tools, medical equipment and electronics. The scientist complained of a deficit of qualified personnel in Kazakhstan. "The thing is that Kazakhstan has a very little number of experts in this area, fingers of one hand are enough to count them. There are even less advanced engineers," Ryaguzov noted. According to him, even if the government funds establishment of high-tech companies based on new nanotechnology production principles in Kazakhstan, there will be no one to work there. Ryaguzov told that new high-precision productions are developing very quickly these days and they require deep and specific knowledge. "Nanotechnologies are not just any technologies related to making materials of particles with the size of less than 100 nanometers. Nanotechnologies involve creation of new materials, new systems for information display and transfer, energy-saving systems and highly-effective agricultural goods capable to surviving in extreme conditions. They also include creation of new effective medicines and treatment systems and new approaches to treatment of a range of serious diseases. Nanotechnologies are a separate huge sector of the national economy covering all human needs. In fact they can be compared to nuclear energy industry or a huge complex of rocket engineering. This is a new and important beginning and a new landmark in human development. That's why this issue has to be approached comprehensively and seriously," Ryaguzov said. He added that it is not too late for Kazakhstan to join the global process of research and creation of nanotechnologies; the only issue is which direction Kazakhstan science has to move in. The scientist named several areas that he considered promising ones. For example, it is possible to eliminate energy losses in electricity transfer over distances. Creation of cables with carbon nano-tubes would allow to increase density in the conductor by several times. Ryaguzov noted that Kazakhstan had all the natural resources for creation of its own nano-electronics and, thus, development of information systems. Biologists also have to be interested in advanced technologies in gene engineering. Nanotechnologies allow to breed the plant varieties capable of surviving in solonchak soils. "It is possible to breed a species of grain that will be resistant to drought and this is important for us. However, alternative researches are required as well the study of safeness of genetically modified goods for human body," Ryaguzov said. Support to researches in creation of new milk bacteria would allow to make new healthy products. Nanotechnologies can also offer an alternative method of cancer treatment. The medicine can be injected directly into cancer-effected areas with a "syringe" made of "nano-tubes" or in a special nano-capsule. Space industry can use nanotechnologies for creation of ultra-strong and light materials for construction of space crafts. "Delivery of 2-3 kg of cargo requires burning of one ton of fuel. If a rocket is light and durable, it would be possible to deliver more cargos into the orbit," Ryaguzov noted. "It turns out that nanotechnologies are applicable in any industry, from space to soil, from materials science to energy and biology," the scientist said. According to him, this is only a small part of areas where Kazakhstan could apply its efforts in implementation of strategic development of nanotechnologies. By Dmitriy Khegai