Commoditization of nanomaterials

Abstract

The opening of INSCX is a significant event, as it means that for the first time nanomaterials may be traded in the same way as the basic commodities that have for many years been the foundation of industry and food production. The historic trade in commodities allowed purchasers across the world to buy goods sight unseen, knowing that since they were commodities the goods they were buying had to have met minimum standards of quality. This greatly facilitated the trade in these raw materials and, ceteris paribus, had a downward effect on price. Larger quantities were available for lower prices, allowing the cheaper production of finished goods and foodstuffs. The opening of INSCX means the same benefits will now pass to nanomaterials; large volumes will be available to producers, and nanomaterials purchased will be of assured quality and will be more competitively priced.