Eastman Kodak Company, which over the past year reduced its work force, cut its dividend, and announced a new business model, is making a basic change in bits business direction that reflects products based on nanotechnology and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Vicki Barbur, technology director for Kodak Growth Initiatives division, points out that, because nanoparticles are used in conventional films, Kodak has been using nanotechnology for over a century. However, new applications of nanotechnology and MEMS make Kodak optimistic that it will find the transition to new markets easy. Products are already available, including Kodak's Ultima line of inkjet printer paper, which is made up of nine layers, including coatings, resins, and the actual paper. The top layer has a proprietary ceramic nanoparticle that improves density and gloss. Eastman Kodak has also developed pigment nanoparticles as tiny as 20 nanometers that it believes will reduce clogging of inkjet nozzle heads, as well as polymeric nanoparticles to prevent ink from moving on inkjet and instant photo papers. Barbur says Kodak has the experience to differentiate layers, which is key to making the layers of disparate chemicals and materials swiftly attach to film or paper while keeping them separate. An expert in nanotechnology from Atomic-Scale Design says Eastman Kodak cannot make up volume from film as yet with its digital products and technologies, but Jim Stoffel, CTO for Eastman Kodak, says the strategy is to leverage Kodak core competencies in materials science, image science, and coatings while concomitantly supporting its brand.