This years NanoKorea was a step up from last years inaugural event, both in terms of numbers of speakers, and the size of the exhibition. Tim Harpers two penneth on commercial and environmental issues was counterbalanced by Harry Kroto urging everyone not to forget to do the basic science. As usual we had an excellent reception from our Korean hosts.
Perhaps the most striking difference was in the number, and type of exhibitors.
While the NanoKorea 2003 had an impressive number of stands, a large number were occupied by research institutes and government bodies. This years show was all about products, products and products, with everything from carbon nanotubes to vacuum cleaners on display, as well as some somewhat unusual products.
Making a return to the exhibition was wonder material Cium (pronounced shoom). Last years stand looked intriguing, but this year was attracting a real buzz, with people even handing over hard won Won for Cium stickers. We are always fascinated by some of these unusual applications of nanotechnology, so with the help of our Korean colleagues we eventually found someone who could explain Cium in English.
Apparently it is a synthetic ceramic, which can be applied as a coating. If you coat a glass with it, a 12 year old whiskey will taste like a 25 year old whiskey. Similarly a glass of cheap plonk will taste like Vega Sicilia. Applied as a lining to a cigarette case it improves the flavour an lowers tar content. We suspect the effect involved is the same one that makes wine taste better from a glass than a paper cup, but as we have a quantity of Cium enhanced soap (an odd concept since it seems to add an artificial aging effect to just about everything else!), we will be happy to send a sample to anyone with the analytical capability to put it to the test.
The most interesting comparison was between the two Korean giants Samsung and LG, the Coke vs Pepsi of Korean electronics. Last year only LG exhibited, this year both companies had equal sized stands, equally attractive models and little black dresses and an equal array of products.
For me, LG looked the better of the two. While Samsung had a whole array of products somehow connected to nanotechnology, much of it was run of the mill display or semiconductor technologies. LG on the other hand continue to toll out an impressive array of nano enhanced consumer products, from refrigerators and air conditioners containing their nano carbon ball deodorisers (something that may come in handy in my house for storing the large quantities of Kimchee hauled back) to applications of antibacterial nanosilver in washing machines and vacuum cleaners. There were also rumours that no one was entirely sure how long the nanosilver effect would last, making it difficult to get the products approved outside Korea.
All in all, its a fascinating exhibition with a great conference attached. The ENA led a delegation this year, and will be back in force next year.