China opens nanotechnology research and development center

08/01/2001

Meg Villeneuve

SHENYANG, CHINA—In cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and local research institutes, China opened a research center for the development of nanotechnology.

"The center will focus on synthesis and processing of new materials, such as nano structured materials, amorphous materials, thin films and composites," notes a report from the Financial Times Limited.

Local scientists are hoping the nanotechnology center will stimulate another industrial revolution in that region. The center is expected to bring some $240 million to that region by 2005.

Separately, minienvironment manufacturer Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Fremont, CA) recently received a $15-million order from China's Semiconductor International Corp. (SMIC) for automated equipment. The order mostly comprises 200 mm products.