Architectural applications of nanotechnology raise new issues
Today I gave a talk on Nanotechnology Applications in Architecture at Arc-US 2006: America's Leading Architects Forum in Los Angeles, and I can tell you architects are extremely excited about nanomaterials.
I discussed a variety of building materials already available like bacteria-killing coatings as well as materials working their way from the lab to the marketplace, such as carbon structures. The question and answer session was invigorating too, as architects and material suppliers expressed their concerns, hopes and, in some cases, even experiences regarding nanomaterials. Several of them raised issues that apply across markets.
Steven Brittan, a principal with Burt, Hill, for example, asked how he could overcome the resistance of general contractors (who are not always eager to innovate,) to designs incorporating nanomaterials. I replied that before we see carbon nanotube structures or other architectural applications of new nanomaterials we will see conventional materials like concrete and steel reinforced with nanoparticles and nanowires. That should allow even conservative contractors the opportunity to ease into the world of nanomaterials without too much resistance.
Amir Rudyan of AVM Industries, which markets nanocoatings for self-cleaning building facades, said the biggest obstacle for him is actually getting customers to accept the effectiveness of these new materials. Antibacterial coatings, for example, can kill 60-90% of the germs that come in contact with them. He said clients can even be suspicious because the coatings are invisible. Because of that, his firm makes another coating that can be sprayed over the self-cleaning or antibacterial coating; it changes color when it contacts the original coating so that applicators and clients alike can see if any surfaces have been missed.
That raises an interesting issue: How to assure quality control of invisible nanomaterials? (photo AVM Industries)
This article is interesting but it has to be mentioned that for example poor indoor air quality is a topic since 30 years and none of this is related to Nanoparticles.
Emissions from chemicals used in building materials are the main source of these health risk creating substances.
Many chemicals present in indoor air environments have not been thoroughly tested and little is known about their long-term health effects.
However most of the high quality Nanotechnology products come with excessive test reports showing that there are no emissions released into the environment.
It is also unclear how the nanoparticles will be set free. It is common knowledge that it is not possible to create nanoparticles simply by surface abrasion. They cannot be produced by mechanical processes such as brushing or grinding, because the strong van-der-Waals forces will keep them attached to one or the other surface and prevent them from being released into the air.
Incorporated into paint or other coatings the particles don’t exist any more as nanoparticles.
It is not possible to separate the particles simply by adding water to the paint and wash them out.
The only way to convince the customers is a clear testing regime with independent institutions.
For paint it is quite simple to do due to that there are already standards for emission testing.
That building products will play a major role in the Nanotechnology implementation can be seen in the amount of products already listed in the nanotechnology product directory http://www.nanoshop.com .
The possible improvements in indoor air quality and the reduction of waist due to longer lasting buildings and lower energy consumption and less maintenance cost and the better overall appearance should be taken into account. If builders and developers and architects are willing to use high quality and tested Nanotechnology products there is no way they can go pass this opportunity.
November 13th, 2006 at 6:42 am