Examine individual changes

'{{Nanotechnology implications}} '''Nanotechnology''' is impacting the field of [[consumer goods]], several products that incorporate [[nanomaterials]] are already in a variety of items; many of which people do not even realize contain [[nanoparticle]]s, products with novel functions ranging from [[easy-to-clean]] to [[Anti-scratch coating|scratch-resistant]]. Examples of that car bumpers are made lighter, clothing is more [[stain repellant]], sunscreen is more radiation resistant, synthetic bones are stronger, cell phone screens are lighter weight, glass packaging for drinks leads to a longer shelf-life, and balls for various sports are made more durable.<ref>{{cite web|title=Current Uses|url=http://www.nanotech-now.com/current-uses.htm|publisher=Nanotechnology Now}}</ref> Using nanotech, in the mid-term modern textiles will become "smart", through embedded "wearable electronics", such novel products have also a promising potential especially in the field of cosmetics, and has numerous potential applications in heavy industry. Nanotechnology is predicted to be a main driver of technology and business in this century and holds the promise of higher performance materials, intelligent systems and new production methods with significant impact for all aspects of society. == Foods == A complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the [[food industry|food]] and [[bioprocessing]] industry for manufacturing high quality and [[food safety|safe food]] through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and [[food quality]] monitoring using [[biosensor]]s; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of [[bioactive compound|bioactive]] food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.<ref>Suresh Neethirajan, Digvir Jayas. 2009. Nanotechnology for food and bioprocessing industries. 5th CIGR International Technical Symposium on Food Processing, Monitoring Technology in Bioprocesses and Food Quality Management, Potsdam, Germany. 8 p.</ref> Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. [[Nanocomposite]]s could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} In general, food substances are not allowed to be adulterated, according to the [[Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act]] (section 402).<ref>[https://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Legislation/FederalFoodDrugandCosmeticActFDCAct/FDCActChapterIVFood/ucm107527.htm Federal Food, Drug an Cosmetic Act] Retrieved 08/22/2012</ref> Additives to food must conform to all regulations in the food additives amendment of 1958 as well as the [[Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997|FDA Modernization Act of 1997]]. In addition, color additives are obliged to comply with all regulations stipulated by the Color Additive Amendments of 1960. A safety assessment must be performed on all food substances for submission and approval by the US FDA. The mandatory information in this assessment includes the identity, technical effects, self-limiting levels of use, dietary exposure and safety studies for the manufacturing processes used, including the use of nanotechnology. Food manufacturers are obliged to assess whether the identity, safety or regulatory status of a food substance is affected by significant changes in manufacturing processes, such as the use of nanotechnology. In their guidance document published in April 2012, the US FDA discusses what considerations and recommendations may apply to such an assessment.{{cn|date=August 2015}} ===Nano-foods=== A complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the food and bioprocessing industry for manufacturing high quality and safe food through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and food quality monitoring using biosensors; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.[2] Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. Nanocomposites could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods<ref>[http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-HealthScience%2FHSELayout&cid=1216208224637 Nano-foods: The Next Consumer Scare?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217100445/http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1216208224637&pagename=Zone-English-HealthScience%2FHSELayout |date=2011-02-17 }}</ref> ==Consumer goods== === Surfaces and coatings === A complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the food and bioprocessing industry for manufacturing high quality and safe food through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and food quality monitoring using biosensors; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.[2] Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. Nanocomposites could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods [[Nanophotonics|Nano-optics]] could allow for an increase in precision of pupil repair and other types of laser eye surgery.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} === Textiles === A complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the food and bioprocessing industry for manufacturing high quality and safe food through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and food quality monitoring using biosensors; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.[2] Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. Nanocomposites could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods.Many other applications have been developed by research institutions such as the [http://nanotextiles.human.cornell.edu/ Textiles Nanotechnology Laboratory] at [[Cornell University]], and the UK's [[Defence Science and Technology Laboratory|Dstl]] and its spin out company [[P2i]].{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} === Cosmetics === A complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the food and bioprocessing industry for manufacturing high quality and safe food through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and food quality monitoring using biosensors; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.[2] Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. Nanocomposites could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} === Sports === A complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the food and bioprocessing industry for manufacturing high quality and safe food through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and food quality monitoring using biosensors; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.[2] Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. Nanocomposites could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods .<ref name="mrsa">{{cite web | url = http://www.azonano.com/news.asp?newsID=4363| title = Antimicrobial Nanotechnology Used by NFL Teams and Promoted to Professional Football Athletic Trainers | publisher = Azonano | date = 2007-06-27| accessdate = 2009-11-06}}</ref> == Aerospace and vehicle manufacturers== A complex set of engineering and scientific challenges in the food and bioprocessing industry for manufacturing high quality and safe food through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and food quality monitoring using biosensors; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.[2] Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. Nanocomposites could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} == Military == ===Biological sensorsset of engineering and scientific challenges in the food and bioprocessing industry for manufacturing high quality and safe food through efficient and sustainable means can be solved through nanotechnology. Bacteria identification and food quality monitoring using biosensors; intelligent, active, and smart food packaging systems; nanoencapsulation of bioactive food compounds are few examples of emerging applications of nanotechnology for the food industry.[2] Nanotechnology can be applied in the production, processing, safety and packaging of food. A nanocomposite coating process could improve food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents directly on the surface of the coated film. Nanocomposites could increase or decrease gas permeability of different fillers as is needed for different products. They can also improve the mechanical and heat-resistance properties and lower the oxygen transmission rate. Research is being performed to apply nanotechnology to the detection of chemical and biological substances for sensanges in foods.<ref name=Calvin>{{cite web|last=Shipbaugh|first=Calvin|title=Offense-Defense Aspects of Nanotechnologies: A Forecast of Potential Milita...|url=http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=454bbd9b-ed72-4921-a823-4604a9f224b4%40sessionmgr114&vid=6&hid=122}}</ref> The sensor systems are already well developed and will be one of the first forms of nanotechnology that the military will start to use.<ref>{{cite web|last=Soutter|first=Will|title=Nanotechnology in the Military|url=http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3028|date=2012-06-20}}</ref> ===Uniform material=== Nanoparticles can be injected into the material on soldiers’ uniforms to not only make the material more durable, but also to protect soldiers from many different dangers such as high temperatures, impacts and chemicals.<ref name=Calvin/> The nanoparticles in the material protect soldiers from these dangers by grouping together when something strikes the armor and stiffening the area of impact. This stiffness helps lessen the impact of whatever hit the armor, whether it was extreme heat or a blunt force. By reducing the force of the impact, the nanoparticles protect the soldier wearing the uniform from any injury the impact could have caused. Another way nanotechnology can improve soldiers’ uniforms is by creating a better form of camouflage. Mobile pigment nanoparticles injected into the material can produce a better form of camouflage.<ref name="Jürgen">{{cite journal|last=Altmann|first=Jürgen|title=Military Uses of Nanotechnology: Perspectives and Concerns|journal=Security Dialogue|volume=35|pages=61–79|doi=10.1177/0967010604042536|year=2004|s2cid=110117748}}</ref> These mobile pigment particles would be able to change the color of the uniforms depending upon the area that the soldiers are in. There is still much research being done on this self-changing camouflage. Nanotechnology can improve [[thermal camouflage]]. Thermal camouflage helps protect soldiers from people who are using night vision technology. Surfaces of many different military items can be designed in a way that electromagnetic radiation can help lower the infrared signatures of the object that the surface is on.<ref name="Jürgen"/> Surfaces of soldiers’ uniforms and surfaces of military vehicle are a few surfaces that can be designed in this way. By lowering the [[infrared signature]] of both the soldiers and the military vehicles the soldiers are using, it will provide better protection from infrared guided weapons or infrared surveillance sensors. ===Communication method=== There is a way to use nanoparticles to create coated polymer threads that can be woven into soldiers’ uniforms.<ref name=Defence>{{cite web|title=Defence, Weapons and The Use Of Nanotechnology In Modern Combat Equipment and Warfare Systems|url=http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1818|date = 2007-01-03}}</ref> These polymer threads could be used as a form of communication between the soldiers. The system of threads in the uniforms could be set to different light wavelengths, eliminating the ability for anyone else to listen in.<ref name=Defence/> This would lower the risk of having anything intercepted by unwanted listeners. ===Medical system=== A medical surveillance system for soldiers to wear can be made using nanotechnology. This system would be able to watch over their health and stress levels. The systems would be able to react to medical situations by releasing drugs or compressing wounds as necessary.<ref name="Jürgen"/> This means that if the system detected an injury that was bleeding, it would be able to compress around the wound until further medical treatment could be received. The system would also be able to release drugs into the soldier’s body for health reasons, such as pain killers for an injury. The system would be able to inform the medics at base of the soldier’s health status at all times that the soldier is wearing the system. The energy needed to communicate this information back to base would be produced through the soldier’s body movements.<ref name="Jürgen"/> ===Weapons=== Nanoweapon is the name given to military [[technology]] currently under development which seeks to exploit the power of nanotechnology in the modern [[battle]]field.<ref>[http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/lev0244_03_20.asp In the new nanoweapons era, the United States and Britain are Third World countries]</ref><ref>[http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/9/25/210250.shtml An Interview on Nanoweapons] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829032252/http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/9/25/210250.shtml |date=2012-08-29 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=13558&ch=biotech Nano Weapons Join the Fight Against Cancer]</ref><ref>[http://www.philosophers.co.uk/cafe/provocations5.htm Number Five: The Case for Nanoweapons] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927050343/http://www.philosophers.co.uk/cafe/provocations5.htm |date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref> ===Risks in military=== * People such as state agencies, criminals and enterprises could use nano-robots to [[Eavesdropping|eavesdrop]] on conversations held in private.<ref name="Jürgen"/> * [[Grey goo]]: an uncontrollable, self-replicating nano-machine or robot. * Nanoparticles used in different military materials could potentially be a hazard to the soldiers that are wearing the material, if the material is allowed to get worn out. As the uniforms wear down it is possible for nanomaterial to break off and enter the soldiers’ bodies.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Glenn|first=Jerome|title=Nanotechnology: Future military environmental health considerations|journal=Technological Forecasting and Social Change|date=February 2006|volume=73|issue=2|pages=128–137|doi=10.1016/j.techfore.2005.06.010}}</ref> Having nanoparticles entering the soldiers’ bodies would be very unhealthy and could seriously harm them. There is not a lot of information on what the actual damage to the soldiers would be, but there have been studies on the effect of nanoparticles entering a fish through its skin. The studies showed that the different fish in the study suffered from varying degrees of brain damage. Although brain damage would be a serious negative effect, the studies also say that the results cannot be taken as an accurate example of what would happen to soldiers if nanoparticles entered their bodies.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bird|first=Peter|title=Entering the body - Societal Dynamics of Nanotechnology|url=http://web2.clarkson.edu/projects/nanobird/2.3.php|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930171053/http://web2.clarkson.edu/projects/nanobird/2.3.php|archivedate=2014-09-30}}</ref> There are very strict regulations on the scientists that manufacture products with nanoparticles. With these strict regulations, they are able to largely decrease the danger of nanoparticles wearing off of materials and entering the soldiers’ systems.<ref>{{cite web|title=Guidelines for Safe Handling, Use and Disposal of Nanoparticles|url=http://iopscience.iop.org/1742-6596/170/1/012037/pdf/jpconf9_170_012037.pdf}}</ref> == Catalysis == Chemical [[catalysis]] benefits especially from nanoparticles, due to the extremely large [[surface-to-volume ratio]]. The application potential of nanoparticles in catalysis ranges from [[fuel cell]] to [[catalytic converter]]s and [[photocatalytic]] devices. Catalysis is also important for the production of chemicals. For example, nanoparticles with a distinct chemical surrounding ([[ligand]]s), or specific [[optical properties]].{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} [[Platinum nanoparticle]]s are being considered in the next generation of automotive catalytic converters because the very high surface area of nanoparticles could reduce the amount of platinum required.<ref>[http://www.americanelements.com/news_10_03_07.htm Press Release: American Elements Announces P-Mite Line of Platinum Nanoparticles for Catalyst Applications] [[American Elements]], October 3, 2007</ref> However, some concerns have been raised due to experiments demonstrating that they will [[spontaneous combustion|spontaneously combust]] if [[methane]] is mixed with the ambient air.<ref>[http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/tech/22075 Platinum nanoparticles bring spontaneous ignition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910034651/http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/tech/22075 |date=2010-09-10 }}, April 25, 2005</ref> Ongoing research at the [[Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique]] (CNRS) in France may resolve their true usefulness for catalytic applications.<ref>[http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=16694399 Electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol]</ref> [[Nanofiltration]] may come to be an important application, although future research must be careful to investigate possible toxicity.<ref name="Nature">Hillie, Thembela and Mbhuti Hlophe. "Nanotechnology and the challenge of clean water." Nature.com/naturenanotechonolgy. November 2007: Volume 2.</ref> == Construction == Nanotechnology has the potential to make [[construction]] faster, cheaper, safer, and more varied. Automation of nanotechnology construction can allow for the creation of structures from advanced homes to massive skyscrapers much more quickly and at much lower cost. In the near future, Nanotechnology can be used to sense cracks in foundations of architecture and can send nanobots to repair them.<ref name="Construction">{{cite web|last=Mann|first=Surinder|title=Nanotechnology and Construction|url=http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology/reports/reportpdf/report62.pdf|publisher=Nanoforum.org European Nanotechnology Gateway|accessdate=2 January 2012|date=31 October 2006}}</ref><ref name="Institute of Nanotechnology">{{cite web|last=Feuer|first=Carl|title=Nanotechnology and Construction|url=http://www.elcosh.org/document/1937/d001104/Nanotechnology%2Band%2BConstruction.html?show_text=1#6|accessdate=23 April 2013}}</ref> Nanotechnology is an active research area that encompasses a number of disciplines such as electronics, bio-mechanics and coatings. These disciplines assist in the areas of civil engineering and construction materials.<ref name="Construction"/> If nanotechnology is implemented in the construction of homes and infrastructure, such structures will be stronger. If buildings are stronger, then fewer of them will require reconstruction and less waste will be produced. Nanotechnology in construction involves using nanoparticles such as alumina and silica. Manufacturers are also investigating the methods of producing nano-cement. If cement with nano-size particles can be manufactured and processed, it will open up a large number of opportunities in the fields of ceramics, high strength composites and electronic applications. <ref name="Construction"/> Nanomaterials still have a high cost relative to conventional materials, meaning that they are not likely to feature in high-volume building materials. The day when this technology slashes the consumption of structural steel has not yet been contemplated.<ref name=NBS>{{cite web|title=Nanotechnology in Construction|url=http://www.thenbs.com/topics/ConstructionProducts/articles/nanotechnologyInConstruction.asp|accessdate=23 April 2013}}</ref> ===Cement=== Much analysis of concrete is being done at the nano-level in order to understand its structure. Such analysis uses various techniques developed for study at that scale such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB). This has come about as a side benefit of the development of these instruments to study the nanoscale in general, but the understanding of the structure and behavior of concrete at the fundamental level is an important and very appropriate use of nanotechnology. One of the fundamental aspects of nanotechnology is its interdisciplinary nature and there has already been cross over research between the mechanical modeling of bones for medical engineering to that of concrete which has enabled the study of chloride diffusion in concrete (which causes corrosion of reinforcement). Concrete is, after all, a macro-material strongly influenced by its nano-properties and understanding it at this new level is yielding new avenues for improvement of strength, durability and monitoring as outlined in the following paragraphs Silica (SiO2) is present in conventional concrete as part of the normal mix. However, one of the advancements made by the study of concrete at the nanoscale is that particle packing in concrete can be improved by using nano-silica which leads to a densifying of the micro and nanostructure resulting in improved mechanical properties. Nano-silica addition to cement based materials can also control the degradation of the fundamental C-S-H (calcium-silicatehydrate) reaction of concrete caused by calcium leaching in water as well as block water penetration and therefore lead to improvements in durability. Related to improved particle packing, high energy milling of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) clinker and standard sand, produces a greater particle size diminution with respect to conventional OPC and, as a result, the compressive strength of the refined material is also 3 to 6 times higher (at different ages).<ref name="Institute of Nanotechnology"/> ===Steel=== Steel is a widely available material that has a major role in the construction industry. The use of nanotechnology in steel helps to improve the physical properties of steel. Fatigue, or the structural failure of steel, is due to cyclic loading. Current steel designs are based on the reduction in the allowable stress, service life or regular inspection regime. This has a significant impact on the life-cycle costs of structures and limits the effective use of resources. Stress risers are responsible for initiating cracks from which fatigue failure results. The addition of [[copper nanoparticle]]s reduces the surface un-evenness of steel, which then limits the number of stress risers and hence fatigue cracking. Advancements in this technology through the use of nanoparticles would lead to increased safety, less need for regular inspection, and more efficient materials free from fatigue issues for construction.<ref name="Construction"/> Steel cables can be strengthened using carbon nanotubes. Stronger cables reduce the costs and period of construction, especially in suspension bridges, as the cables are run from end to end of the span.<ref name="Construction"/> The use of vanadium and molybdenum nanoparticles improves the delayed fracture problems associated with high strength bolts. This reduces the effects of hydrogen embrittlement and improves steel micro-structure by reducing the effects of the inter-granular cementite phase.<ref name="Construction"/> Welds and the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) adjacent to welds can be brittle and fail without warning when subjected to sudden dynamic loading. The addition of nanoparticles such as magnesium and calcium makes the HAZ grains finer in plate steel. This nanoparticle addition leads to an increase in weld strength. The increase in strength results in a smaller resource requirement because less material is required in order to keep stresses within allowable limits.<ref name="Construction"/> ===Wood=== Nanotechnology represents a major opportunity for the wood industry to develop new products, substantially reduce processing costs, and open new markets for biobased materials. Wood is also composed of nanotubes or “nanofibrils”; namely, lignocellulosic (woody tissue) elements which are twice as strong as steel. Harvesting these nanofibrils would lead to a new paradigm in sustainable construction as both the production and use would be part of a renewable cycle. Some developers have speculated that building functionality onto lignocellulosic surfaces at the nanoscale could open new opportunities for such things as self-sterilizing surfaces, internal self-repair, and electronic lignocellulosic devices. These non-obtrusive active or passive nanoscale sensors would provide feedback on product performance and environmental conditions during service by monitoring structural loads, temperatures, moisture content, decay fungi, heat losses or gains, and loss of conditioned air. Currently, however, research in these areas appears limited. Due to its natural origins, wood is leading the way in cross-disciplinary research and modelling techniques. BASF have developed a highly water repellent coating based on the actions of the lotus leaf as a result of the incorporation of silica and alumina nanoparticles and hydrophobic polymers. Mechanical studies of bones have been adapted to model wood, for instance in the drying process.<ref name="Institute of Nanotechnology"/> ===Glass=== Research is being carried out on the application of nanotechnology to glass, another important material in construction. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are used to coat glazing since it has sterilizing and anti-fouling properties. The particles catalyze powerful reactions that break down organic pollutants, volatile organic compounds and bacterial membranes. TiO₂ is hydrophilic (attraction to water), which can attract rain drops that then wash off the dirt particles. Thus the introduction of nanotechnology in the Glass industry, incorporates the self-cleaning property of glass.<ref name="Construction"/> Fire-protective glass is another application of nanotechnology. This is achieved by using a clear intumescent layer sandwiched between glass panels (an interlayer) formed of silica nanoparticles (SiO₂), which turns into a rigid and opaque fire shield when heated. Most of glass in construction is on the exterior surface of buildings. So the light and heat entering the building through glass has to be prevented. The nanotechnology can provide a better solution to block light and heat coming through windows.<ref name="Construction"/> ===Coatings=== Coatings is an important area in construction coatings are extensively use to paint the walls, doors, and windows. Coatings should provide a protective layer bound to the base material to produce a surface of the desired protective or functional properties. The coatings should have self healing capabilities through a process of "self-assembly". Nanotechnology is being applied to paints to obtained the coatings having self healing capabilities and corrosion protection under insulation. Since these coatings are hydrophobic and repels water from the metal pipe and can also protect metal from salt water attack.<ref name="Construction"/> Nanoparticle based systems can provide better adhesion and transparency. The TiO₂ coating captures and breaks down organic and inorganic air pollutants by a photocatalytic process, which leads to putting roads to good environmental use.<ref name="Construction"/> ===Fire Protection and detection=== Fire resistance of steel structures is often provided by a coating produced by a spray-on-cementitious process. The nano-cement has the potential to create a new paradigm in this area of application because the resulting material can be used as a tough, durable, high temperature coating. It provides a good method of increasing fire resistance and this is a cheaper option than conventional insulation.<ref name="Construction"/> ===Risks in construction=== In building construction nanomaterials are widely used from self-cleaning windows to flexible solar panels to wi-fi blocking paint. The self-healing concrete, materials to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation, smog-eating coatings and light-emitting walls and ceilings are the new nanomaterials in construction. Nanotechnology is a promise for making the "smart home" a reality. Nanotech-enabled sensors can monitor temperature, humidity, and airborne toxins, which needs nanotech-based improved batteries. The building components will be intelligent and interactive since the sensor uses wireless components, it can collect the wide range of data.<ref name="Construction"/> If nanosensors and nanomaterials become an everyday part of the buildings, as with [[smart home]]s, what are the consequences of these materials on human beings?<ref name="Construction"/> #Effect of nanoparticles on health and environment: Nanoparticles may also enter the body if building water supplies are filtered through commercially available nanofilters. Airborne and waterborne nanoparticles enter from building ventilation and wastewater systems.<ref name="Construction"/> #Effect of nanoparticles on societal issues: As sensors become commonplace, a loss of privacy and autonomy may result from users interacting with increasingly intelligent building components.<ref name="Construction"/> == References == {{reflist|30em}} == External links == * [http://www.understandingnano.com/nanotech-applications.html Overview of Nanotechnology Applications] * [http://www.nanotechproject.org Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies] [[Category:Nanotechnology]]'