Nanotechnology and its Impact on Construction

Projected growth rates and markets for nanotechnology products are high, justifying the need to take immediate actions to understand benefits, risks, and opportunities of nanotechnology in the construction industry. R&D in the broad area of construction lags considerably behind other industries. (RR251-11, p. 17)

Advancements in nano-manufacturing are expected to result in rapid development of new nano-materials. These manufacturing approaches fall under two categories "bottom-up" and "top-down." (RR251-11, p. 21)

• "Bottom-up" approach – Materials ad devices are built from molecular components, which assemble themselves, chemically by principles of molecular recognition. This approach can be thought of as putting together single atoms or molecules until a desired level of complexity and functionality has been achieved in a device.
• "Top-down" approach – Nano-objects are constructed from larger entities without atomic level control. This approach can be summarized as ‘a set of tools designed to build a small set of tools.

The primary materials in nanotechnology for construction can be identified as Titanium Oxide, Fullerenes, Carbon Nanotubes, Silica, Alumina, and others (e.g., Clay, Magnesium and Calcium Nano-particles, Aerogels). Each of these materials has various uses and applications in the construction industry. (RR251-11, p. 31)
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The nanotechnology application areas discussed (bulk materials, functional surfaces, composites, fire and safety, energy, water, electronics and computing, metrology and sensors) will have a significant impact on construction within the next 10-15 years. The areas and products where nanotechnology is expected to have the maximum impact were identified as: Composites, Coatings, Concrete, Energy and Sensors, and Metrology. Products in these nanotechnology disciplines are identified to have the biggest impact on construction. (RR251-11, p. 41)

There is a disconnect between the construction industry and researchers/academics units that conduct nanotechnology R&D. Although products are now beginning to emerge on the markets, the lack of awareness of construction industry professionals asks for an industry wide approach for research and development, knowledge transfer, and exchange of information that can assist the entire industry. (RR251-11, p. 122)

Benefits that nanotechnology products will have on the construction industry include:

1. Improved Mechanical and Physical Properties – to include higher strength materials, improved durability, wear and tear resistance, corrosion resistance, and improvements in fire resistance and aesthetics. (RR251-11, p. 98)
2. Economical Benefits – to include value chain of life cycles, lower labor costs and operating and maintenance costs, improved customer satisfaction, and increased market value and brand image. (RR251-11, p. 99)
3. Sustainability Benefits – to include energy efficiency, lower material consumption, social and ethical benefits, and an increase in innovation. (RR251-11, p. 100)