NANOMATERIALS

Nanomaterials are really small. In fact, really, really small.

Nanomaterials are up to 10 000 times smaller than the width of a
human hair.Nanomaterials can be defined as materials possessing, at
minimum, one external dimension measuring 1-100nm.

They are particles that are so small that we can only see them using a
microscope. And nanomaterials are everywhere.
They are in nature itself, easily carried away by the wind as for example
pollen and sand. But they are also increasingly present in our daily lives
through consumer products.

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Professor
 Due to their size, nanomaterials may have unique chemical, physical,
electrical, and mechanical properties that are more pronounced compared
to the same material without nanoforms (often called bulk substances). These
properties could make them particularly suitable for many applications.

ORIGIN

The first ideas and concepts

behind nanoscience and nanotechnology appeared in the work entitled
“There´s plenty of room at the bottom” of physicist Richard Feynman at the
meeting of the American Physical Society at the California Institute of
Thechnology (CalTech) on December 29, 1959.
This scientific conference marked the beginning of the nanomaterial era,
since Feyman described a process in which scientists could manipulate and
control individual atoms and molecules, and the revolution that this would
entail.

Decades later, Professor Norio Taniguchi coined the term nanotechnology,

although it was not until 1981 when modern nanotechnology began to be
discussed thanks to the development of the tunnel effect microscope by G.
Binnig and H. Rohrer (IBM Zurich), which allowed see individual atoms for the
first time.

PROPERTIES

As the size is reduced to the nanometric scale, the exposed surface area
increases and this favors the greater interaction between nearby atoms and
molecules, giving rise to various interactions, attractions and repulsions that
cause surface, electronic and quantum effects that affect to the optical,
electric and magnetic behaviors of the materials.

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Professor
Nanomaterial types

Nanomaterials could be organized into four types:

• Carbon Based Materials

• Metal Based Materials
• Dendrimers
• Composites

Carbon Based Materials

These nanomaterials are composed mostly of carbon, most commonly taking

the form of a hollow spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes.
Spherical and ellipsoidal carbon nanomaterials are referred to as fullerenes,
while cylindrical ones are called nanotubes.
These particles have many potential applications, including improved films
and coatings, stronger and lighter materials, and applications in electronics.

Metal Based Materials

These nanomaterials include quantum dots, nanogold, nanosilver and metal

oxides, such as titanium dioxide.
A quantum dot is a closely packed semiconductor crystal comprised of
hundreds or thousands of atoms, and whose size is on the order of a few
nanometers to a few hundred nanometers.
Changing the size of quantum dots changes their optical properties.

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Professor
Dendrimers

These nanomaterials are nanosized polymers built from branched units. The
surface of a dendrimer has numerous chain ends, which can be tailored to
perform specific chemical functions.
This property could also be useful for catalysis. Also, because three-
dimensional dendrimers contain interior cavities into which other molecules
could be placed, they may be useful for drug delivery.

Composites

Composites combine nanoparticles with other nanoparticles or with larger,

bulk-type materials.
Nanoparticles, such as nanosized clays, are already being added to
products ranging from auto parts to packaging materials, to enhance
mechanical, thermal, barrier, and flame-retardant properties.
Classification of nanomaterials based on Dimension.
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Professor
Nanoscale in 0 Dimension

All its dimensions are within the nanoscale. 0D nanomaterials are

considered nanoparticles. Within this group are fullerenes, inorganic
nanomaterials such as Au and Ag nanoparticles, nanowires, nanodiamonds
or quantum-dots.

Fullerenes have potential application in medicine as they can be used as

transport for drug release since they have good biocompatibility, are
selective, retain biological activity and their size is small enough to be
diffused.

Carbon quantum-dots are carbon semiconductor nanostructures studied to

replace conventional quantum-dots since they have the same fluorescence
properties to be applied as biosensors but are biocompatible and their
toxicity is much lower.

Nanoscale in one Dimension

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Professor
Two dimensions are within the nanoscale. This classification
includes nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.

The latter are applied as additives for example in polymer matrices to

improve some of its

properties.

They also improve the electrical conductivity in adhesives and paints without
modifying their rheological properties and prevent corrosion of the materials
that are coated.
Its electrical conductivity properties allow them to be used in the
construction of anodes and cathodes and in the formulation of conductive
inks that can be used in the construction of flexible electronic circuits.

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Professor
Nanoscale in Two Dimension

In these nanomaterials one of the three dimensions is within the

nanoscale. They are sheet-shaped materials. Among them
are graphene, nanofilms, and nanocoatings.

Within this group, graphene is the most representative material and

with the greatest potential for application in different fields such as medicine,
where its application is investigated as a drug transport and release system or
as a biosensor.
In the energy sector since graphene can increase the life of a
traditional lithium battery, charging it faster and keeping it running longer. In
the electronic sector, this material can be introduced in the touch screens of
the devices to improve their properties or in the electrical circuits of the
computers to increase their processing speed.

Its application is also studied as a filtration system since graphene oxide

can form a membrane that acts as a barrier against liquids and gases
allowing water purification.

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Professor
 Nanoscale in Three Dimension

Materials that have no dimension in the nanoscale. Within this

classification are nanostructured materials, nanoparticle
dispersions and multi-nanolayers.

In this sense, tungsten oxide has been investigated as a material for the
photoelectrochemical generation of hydrogen. The surface of the
nanostructured semiconductor material absorbs solar energy and acts as an
electrode for water electrolysis.

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Professor
 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

The application of nanotechnology in various building products and

materials showed tremendous progress in the construction industry. As
nanotechnology is a science that controls the dimensions in the transition
zone at the atomic level, the products developed from this method gain
extraordinary functionalities.
The main focus now is to study how these functions can contribute
to sustainable building construction.

Sustainability of Nano-materials in Construction

The construction materials used with nanotechnology gain novel

functionalities with unique characteristics. It is used in materials like cement,
concrete, glass, paint, etc.
For example, in concrete, the use of nano-silica or micro silica is a
highly recommended application. The addition of micro-silica enhances
the mechanical properties, the durability, and the elasticity of the concrete.
The reduction of cement in concrete by the addition of micro-silica also
claims to reduce the amount of energy consumption and CO2 emission.
Some of the essential sustainable construction applications using
nanotechnology are explained below:
1. Use of Nano-materials with Construction Materials
2. Use of Nanotechnology for Repair
3. Use of Nanotechnology for fire protection

1. Use of Nanomaterials with Construction Materials

Incorporation of nanomaterials in Cement and Concrete is one of the

popular solutions from nanotechnology. It works against the disastrous
outcomes from cement and concrete structures to the environment.
The use of nanomaterials with cement and concrete increases the
following properties of the mix:
• Strength and durability of concrete
• Hardness of concrete
• Ductility of concrete.

Different nanomaterials used with cement and concrete are:

• Silica and Nano clays

• Nano Iron (Fe2O3)
• Nano Alumina Al2O3
• CuO
• Zinc Oxides
• Titanium Oxide
Nanotechnology in Cement and Concrete

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Professor
The silicon dioxide nanoparticles help to increase the compactness and
assembly of the concrete.
The self-sensing, flexural strength, compressive strength, and self-
cleaning properties of the concrete are improved by incorporating nano-iron
& nano-titanium in cement or concrete.
The decaying structures can be protected by fiber wrapping that consists of
nano-silica particles and hardener.
The nano-silica also plays a vital role in closing the split observed in the
outside face of the concrete structure.

Nanotechnology in Steel
Copper nanoparticles introduce the role of nanotechnology
in steel materials. Incorporating copper nanoparticles with steel helps to
smoothen the steel surface. Smooth surface avoids the chances of cracking
and prevents fatigue cracking.
Modification of the steel using nanomaterials gain higher strength ductility
and fatigue resistance. The steel hence can withstand adverse climatic and
corrosive environmental conditions.

Nanotechnology with Glass

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Professor
The next innovation is the use of nanomaterials with glass. The combination
permits the windows to gain property to regulate the amount of light passing
through it and the building walls. It is hence a means of energy
conservation as it reduces heat loss.

Glass treated with nanotechnology

The efficiency provided by glass treated by nanotechnology was found 75%
more than ordinary glass. It is because the glass reduces the thermal loads
that are transferred to space by solar radiation. It also provides daylight, thus
reducing the need for artificial lighting.

2.Use of Nanotechnology for Repair

The property of nanostructures to self-heal harmed surfaces of the structure

brings tremendous advantage to the construction industry. The use of
nanosensors in structures helps to foresee the existing failures in the structures.

A concrete mix that has cracks are slowly recovered by a healing agent
released by the rupture of microcapsules. The healing agent is filled in the
crack by capillary action. The agent, with the help of catalyst embodied,
starts to polymerize and close the cracks.

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Professor
3. Use of Nanotechnology for fire protection

Nanotechnology can be used as starch-based coatings, nanofiber

mats, hydrogels, and Polyetherimide nanocomposites foams to
increase fire

resistance.

The non-inflammable characteristics and heat resistance of plastic material

can be optimized by the addition of nanostructured silicate particles into it. It
is used for the manufacture of cable insulations, electric sockets, fuse boxes,
and appliances. A nanomaterial like silicon dioxide can withstand the fire of
1832F for more than 2 hours.

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Professor
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the nanomaterials used for the manufacture of construction

materials?
Different nanomaterials used to produce efficient and sustainable
construction materials are Silica and Nano clays, Nano Iron (Fe2O3), Nano
Alumina Al2O3, CuO, Zinc Oxides, and Titanium Oxides. Variations of these
basic materials are developed and used widely.
Nanosensors can be used to detect the repair in structures, and early repairs
are possible by this method. The use of microcapsules in concrete with high
chances of crack formation helps to improve the "self-healing" properties of
concrete.

2. How can Nanotechnology in glass influence building efficiency?

The building efficiency can be improved by using glass that is blend with
nanomaterials. These specially treated glasses reduce the heat transfer
through the building envelope hence reducing the thermal loads transferred
to the space from the sun through radiation.

3. What is the main issue with nanomaterials in construction?

The main issue with nanomaterials is its direct exposure to the environment
and people handling it. This may cause health issues. Specially planned and
designed rules and regulations for handling and working with nanomaterials is
mandatory.

4. How is nanotechnology used to increase the fire resistance of construction

materials?
Nanotechnology can be used by starch-based coatings, nano-fiber mats,
hydrogels, polypropylene fibers with concrete, and Polyetherimide
nanocomposites foams to increase the fire resistance of building materials
and components.

The Following is a list of areas, where the construction industry could benefit
from the nano-technology.
1. Replacement of steel cables by much stronger carbon nanotubes in
suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges
2. Use of nano-silica, to produce dense cement composite materials
3. Incorporation of resistive carbon nanofibers in concrete roads in snowy
areas
4. Incorporation of nano-titania, to produce photocatalytic concrete
5. Use of nano-calcite particles in sealants to protect the structures from
aggressive elements of the surrounding environment
6. Use of nanoclays in concrete to enhance its plasticity and flowability.
7. Urban air quality could be improved by if the civil structures are treated
with nano TiO2

13 | P a g e Ar K.Manikandan

Professor