Overview of your subject area

Chemistry is the science concerned with the study of the matter, its composition and its properties. Everything is made by atoms which join together forming molecules. Properties and interactions among atoms are matter of Material Science. It studies the relation between the structure of materials in atomic scale and the macroscopic properties. Among the countless branches of material science, polymeric materials are deeply and thoroughly studied. Even if we don't realize it, we are surrounded by polymers from shoes' sole to hat, from carpets to cars' dashboard, for example. Modifying the polymerisation process, it may obtain different polymeric material properties, making the request and wish ones.
Recent technologies have allowed scientists to work with atoms. Yes, with 'almost' single atoms! Nowadays, it is possible make thin layers depth one single atom. It is hard to immagine, is not it? The picture on the side shows exactly this. Atoms are represented by spheres. A number of physical and chemical properties of nanometric systems changes compared to macroscopic ones. This implies the great chanche to discovery and improve materials' characteristics.
Polymers look towards nanoscience and its applications useful in our life. For instance, nanofibers well orientated show reinforcement when subject to stress, they have higher conductivity and capacitance. Many nanopolymers find applications in medicine, electronic, devices; carbon nanotubes are used in aerospace and nanomechanical system. The development's possibilities are enormous in all sectors.
However, there are some drawbacks related to nanostructures. Nanoparticles produced during the reactions are very dangerous whether inhaled leading breathing problems. Moreover, they penetre into the skin destroying cellular apparatus. Also environment may be negatively affected by water and air polluter.
Researches throughout all the chemical branches have been doing well. Material science is a sector that clearly will bring some new useful technologies and improvements to all the world.

Useful websites:
http://hi-ce.org/PDFs/Big_Ideas_of_Nanoscience-20feb07.pdf
http://biocfarm.unibo.it/samori/nanobio/Intro08.pdf
http://www.nanocompositech.com/nanotechnology/nanotechnology-overview.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology