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Risø National Laboratory • DTU Frederiksborgvej 399 DK-4000 Roskilde maj.munch.andersen@risoe.dk |
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> What are the current commercial applications of nanotechnology? > What is the expected development of nanotechnologies? > What kinds of nanomaterials are currently available? > What is the potential role of nanotechnologies in the construction sector? > Are nanotechnologies “green” or “environmentally friendly”? > Is there any potential risk to health or environment in the use of nanotechnologies? |
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Nanotech is about studying and manipulating matter at atomic levels >> |
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The construction sector is looking for new sustainable technical solutions >> |
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Green solutions within innovation will create a sustainable society >> |
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The construction industry presents a huge potential for nanotechnology applications. Already there are considerable examples of these applications particularly in the ambit of construction materials. In the international context, there is rising consensus about the extraordinary potentialities of new nano-engineered materials in the field of sustainable building. Current research exploring the potentialities of nanotechnology in construction focuses on the following fields:
◊ High performance structural materials: nanostructure modification of steel/metals, ceramics/glass, polymers, cement/concrete, composites through process control or by use of nanoparticles, nanotubes and nano-admixtures.
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◊ Understanding phenomena at nanoscale: relationship between nanostructure and macro-properties (e.g. hydration, shrinkage, deterioration, etc.) using new techniques.
◊ Functional thin films-coatings: enhanced performance of materials regarding optical, thermal, durable, abrasion resistant, self-cleaning, and anti-graffiti properties.
◊ New sensors, devices and smart structures: enhanced monitoring of structural and environmental conditions, and self-actuating capability.
◊ Sustainable energy, environmental applications: new fuel cells, energy-efficient lightings, special insulating and glazing materials, remediation, etc. |
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In the context of the GNNC project, the potential applications of nanotechnologies in construction are expected to support the development of new lighter, stronger, thinner, insulating, self-repairing, self-cleaning, degradable materials in smart houses with novel types of energy efficient lightning and renewable integrated energy production. This sustainable vision is based on six fundamental nanotechnology developments and applications:
1. Nano materials 2. Surfaces, 3. Nanoptics, 4. Nanoelectronics, 5. Integrated energy production 6. Waste handling |
