unit of length in making, usage and the metric system, knowledge tools, equal to billionth machines, and of metre. Ten techniques, in times the diameter order to solve the of hydrogen atom. problem or perform a specific function. What is Nanotechnology? Itis a field of research and innovation concerned with building 'things' - generally, materials and devices - on the scale of atoms and molecules.
- It is hailed as having the potential to increase the efficiency of
energy consumption, help clean the environment, and solve major health problems. It is said to be able to massively increase manufacturing production at significantly reduced costs. Products of nanotechnology will be smaller, cheaper, lighter yet more functional and require less energy and fewer raw materials to manufacture, claim nanotech advocates.
- The diameter of a human hair is on average 80,000 nanometres.
At such scales, the ordinary rules of physics and chemistry no longer apply. For instance, materials' characteristics, such as their colour, strength, conductivity and reactivity, can differ substantially between the nanoscale and the macro. Carbon 'nanotubes' are 100 times stronger than steel but six times lighter. USES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY To make strong lightweight equipment ranging from tennis racquets to windmill blades To clean up industrial solvents contaminating groundwater To protect clothing with nanoparticles that shed water or stains As catalysts to make chemical manufacturing more efficient while saving energy and keeping waste products to a minimum As a coating on countertops that kills bacteria In sunscreens to provide protection from UV rays without producing a thick white residue In wound dressings to rapidly stop bleeding in trauma patients As a film on glass to stop water from beading and dirt from accumulating In paints to prevent corrosion and the growth of mold as well as to provide insulation To make integrated circuits with features that can be measured in nanometers (nm), allowing companies to make computers chips that contain billions of transistors In bandages to kill germs For coatings in heavy-duty machinery, such as ships and the oil industry, to make equipment last longer In plastic food packaging to keep oxygen out so the food spoils at a much slower rate ADVANTAGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 1. Nanotechnology can actually revolutionize a lot of electronic products, procedures, and applications. The areas that benefit from the continued development of nanotechnology when it comes to electronic products include nano transistors, nano diodes, OLED, plasma displays, quantum computers, and many more. 2. Nanotechnology can also benefit the energy sector. The development of more effective energy-producing, energy- absorbing, and energy storage products in smaller and more efficient devices is possible with this technology. Such items like batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells can be built smaller but can be made to be more effective 3. Another industry that can benefit from nanotechnology is the manufacturing sector that will need materials like nanotubes, aerogels, nano particles, and other similar items to produce their products with. These materials are often stronger, more durable, and lighter than those that are not produced with the help of nanotechnology. 4. In the medical world, nanotechnology is also seen as a boon since these can help with creating what is called smart drugs. These help cure people faster and without the side effects that other traditional drugs have. You will also find that the research of nanotechnology in medicine is now focusing on areas like tissue regeneration, bone repair, immunity and even cures for such ailments like cancer, diabetes, and other life threatening diseases. DISADVANTAGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 1. Included in the list of disadvantages of this science and its development is the possible loss of jobs in the traditional farming and manufacturing industry. 2. Atomic weapons can now be more accessible and made to be more powerful and more destructive. These can also become more accessible with nanotechnology. 3. Since these particles are very small, problems can actually arise from the inhalation of these minute particles, much like the problems a person gets from inhaling minute asbestos particles. 4. Presently, nanotechnology is very expensive and developing it can cost you a lot of money. It is also pretty difficult to manufacture, which is probably why products made with nanotechnology are more expensive Examples of existing products using nanotechnology 1. Antibacterial swimming pool liquids - These are more effective at combating harmful bacteria while reducing swimmers’ exposure to the harsh chemicals of previous products. 2. Bandages - contain nanoparticles of silver that prevent infection around cuts and abrasions, effectively blending antibiotic ointment with the bandage. 3. Sunscreen Products - include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide nano-particles reflect or absorb cancer- causing ultraviolet light. These products are invisible and longer-lasting, and have lower irritant and allergen materials, than traditional sunscreens. 4. Linde Electronics - arbon nanotube ink is for displays, sensors, and electronic devices such as a smartphone with a roll-up screen or a see-through GPS device embedded in the windshield of a car. 5. Seldon Technology - MineralWater system is a carbon nanotube filtration device that removes pathogens and contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, cysts, and spores to deliver potable water that exceeds the USEPA drinking water standard.