Nano-Materials and Nano-Mechanic Materials in Construction - Speech or Presentation Example

Name Course Date New nano-materials and nano-mechanic materials in construction Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Significance of producing new nano-materials 4 Examples of nano-materials in construction 6 The process of manufacturing new nano-materials 10 a)Bottom-up manufacturing 10 b)Top-down manufacturing 12 Effects of nano-materials in the environment 13 Comparison of old nano material and new constructed nano materials 15 Conclusion 17 References 18 New nano-materials and nano-mechanic materials in construction Introduction The role of nanomaterials has been increasing in modern construction mainly due to their feasibility, economic importance, and simplicity. The sizes of nanomaterials are usually less than 100 nm in one dimension (Beylerian, Dent & Quinn, 2007). Nanomaterials have been used widely in construction industry due to their. They are applied in synthetic or in natural materials such as glass, steel, cement, concrete, paints, textiles, plastics etc., because of their properties that include self-cleaning property, improved tensile and flexural strength, as well as its lightweight property, resistance to wear and fire resistance (Acton, 2012). Nanotechnology plays a key role in the solution of the current problems associated with the construction. It has potentials to reduce energy and resources consumption, and carbon emissions for sustainable greenhouse practices. The paper focuses on the application of nanomaterials for sustainable development in the construction industry (Cardenas, 2012). Nanomaterials has been defined by US EPA as the components that has particles which have been produced deliberately with one dimension measuring between 1 and 100nm so as to desired properties to meet commercial standards. The properties of nanomaterials range from magnetic, thermal, mechanical, catalytical, electrical, and optical properties, which can be used in a range of applications. The popularity of nanotechnology has not met the initial expectation that the nanomaterials dproducts and devices would be adopted fast in the development sectors. Nevertheless, the nanotechnology products are beginning to gain popularity especially in the consumers sector (Jackson, 2007). Significance of producing new nano-materials There are various potentials for useful applications of nanomaterials in the construction industry. The areas include structural composites, nanosensors, concrete, and coating. They can also be used in design and construction process. Nanoproducts exhibit unique properties that can solve the current construction problems, as well improve the construction process. Nanomaterials are useful in construction industry not only for enhancement of the properties and functions of the material, but also in energy consumption. This is specifically significant because a huge proportion of energy consumed by residential and commercial buildings in applications like air conditioning, heating, and lighting (Askeland & Fulay, 2006). The development of nanomaterials has been aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency of the building, improving the performance of the construction component and the durability, increasing the living comfort and assist in maintenance. It is also possible to realize self-cleaning using micro surface treatment and coating such as polysilazane coating, a feature, which has been used in promotion of nanotechnology (Acton, 2012). Nanomaterials such as ZnO and TiO2 are used during final varnishing in ceramic construction in order to bring the uniqueness to surface. TiO2 can break down dirt when is exposed to UV light and left to be washed off by rain. ZnO facilitate UV resistance in paints or coatings. Al2O3 nanomaterials are used to make the surface resistant to scratch. The nanomaterials also prevent the growth of fungus or a smell (Jackson, 2007). The addition of nanomaterials in construction materials such a cement and steel will result in more durable, stronger, fire resistant, compactable and easy to clean material. Example of nanomaterials which can be used for these characteristics include carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, nanostructured metals and nano silica (In Vogel, 2014; Schulz, Kelkar and Sundaresan, 2005). The current researches have been aimed at application of nanotechnology to alter the manufacturing process of cement so as to reduce the emissions of CO2 in the cement manufacturing. Structures made from concrete also benefit from nano-enhanced which prevent stains from adhering to it (Askeland & Fulay, 2006). Furthermore, the materials produce exhibit lightweight, resilient, flame resistant and self-healing building materials. Manufacturing of glass has benefited from nanotechnology. It has been used to produce smart windows, which are multifunctional. Smart windows are easy to clean, energy saving, photovoltaic and can control UV light (Jackson, 2007). Insulation properties of construction materials have been improved. With the help of new advancement in nanotechnology, nanomaterials have been developed that have better insulating features and intelligent structures, which uses optimum amount of energy. The insulating constructions materials include vacuum insulated panels, nanostructure, nanofoams and aerogels (Askeland & Fulay, 2006). Nanotechnology can be used in future to produce space living space that has sensing system that sense the environment such as the temperature and pressure, and act accordingly to fit the user needs. Although there are benefits of the use of nanomaterials in construction, they have potentials to produce harmful effects especially if the nanomaterials are released to the environment. However, with proper management of nanomaterials they have a potential to produce a promising future applications (Cardenas, 2012; Cao & Wang, 2011). Examples of nano-materials in construction The characteristics of the materials differ depending on their sizes. For example, the properties of a material at nanoscale differ from those at larger scale. Physical phenomena such as quantum effect and electrostatic forces start to occur at the boundary limit. Nano-effect is created when atoms move to the surface of the material. The properties of nano-particles affect the behaviuor at micro-scale (Cardenas, 2012). Therefore, if nano-properties are manipulated properly, the macro-scale properties would be affected and new materials develop (Ashby et al., 2009). The nanomaterials that have potentials to be used in construction are discussed below. a) The Carbon Nanotubes These are cylindrical carbons that extend to several millimeters in length, and can be single walled or multi walled nanotubes. Nanotubes belong to fullerene family structure and demonstrate unique strength, efficient thermal conduction characteristics, and electrical properties. For instance, they are eight times stronger than steel and have five times young’s modulus strength, with 1/6th density of steel (Reich et al., 2004). The advantages of carbon nanotubes include prevention of crack in the concrete, mechanical durability and facilitate thermal and mechanical properties and immediate structural monitoring. It also increases the stiffness and reduces porosity leading to an increase compressive, flexural and the Young’s Modulus strength, and reduces autogenous shrinking (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2011). They are mainly used in the enhancement of the mechanical properties of cement based materials. They offer resistance to propagation of cracks as well provide other properties like electromagnetic filed shield. Singled walled and multiwalled nanotubes are shown in the figure below. Graphite sheets of nanotubes1 The main challenge is their poor dispersal in the cement because if their strong self-attraction and high hydrophocity. The figure below shows the strong self-attraction property of CNT. Crack bridging in CNT-cement mix1 b) Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2) TiO2 nanoparticles are white pigment, which provides fine reflective coating when used in paints. It not only enhance the abrasive resistance, but it also increase compressive and flexural strength of the concrete. TiO2 breaks down the inorganic and organic pollutants through a process call photo catalyses. It is used in windows and cement for its anti-foul and sterilization properties. It can also break down bacterial membrane, organic pollutants, and organic compounds, through photo-catalytic reaction, thus reducing air pollution when they are applied on the surface. Its hydrophilic feature facilitate self-cleaning on the surface, since it attract moisture and forms a sheet of dirt and remove them. Therefore, the material creates a white surface and maintains the whiteness continuously (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2011). White colour of TiO22 c) Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles (SiO2) Nano-SiO2 enhances the compressive strength and the viscosity of the concrete, by filling the spaces between the cement and fly ash. It also reduce the time required for mortar to set when compared with microsilica, and minimize segregation and bleeding water by enhancing cohesive forces (Ashby et al., 2009). Nanosilica increases the flexibility, durability, workability and the strength of the concrete. The reaction between nanosilica and calcium hydroxide produce calcium silicate hydrate which control the mechanical properties of the concrete such as nanostructure and nanoporous properties. Nanosilca in the cement facilitate large surface area for the reaction of nanoparticles, which hasten the hydration process (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2011). d) Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO) This is a unique material in construction that has piezoelectric and semiconductor characteristics. It is synthesized by use of precipitation technique using sodium hydroxide and zinc oxide. ZnO is a semiconductor with an energy gab of 3.37eV. It has photochemical, optoelectronic, electrical and catalytic properties. It can be added into a range of products that include paints, cement, fire retardant, rubber, plastics, glass, and ceramics. It is insoluble in water and therefore it enhances water resistance and the processing time for the concrete in the manufacturing process (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2011). a) b) a) The structure before the blend b) ZnO blend structure3 e) Silver Nanoparticles (Ag) Nanosilve is produced by reducing silver ions using organic solvent or reducing agent. Nanosilver inhibits the growth and multiplication of fungi and bacteria that causes odour, sores, infections, and itchiness. It works by interrupting the cellular metabolic process and inhibit the growth of virus, fungi and bacteria. The main technology of the nanoparticle is its production of small particles and its ability to spread evenly over the surface. The nanosilver particles increases the surface area of the material many times compared to silver foil (Ashby et al., 2009). f) Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles (Al2O3) Al2O3 particles react with calcium hydroxide that has been created when calcium silicate dissolve. Pozzolanic reaction occurs when aluminum oxide react with calcium hydroxide at a rate that is dependent on the surface available for the reaction. The nanoparticles improve the tensile and flexural strength characteristics of the concrete. Nano-Al2O3 particles with an average of 15nm particle size can replace the cement at a maximum limit of 2%. Fe2O3 also exhibit similar properties as Al2O3 (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2011). g) Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles (ZrO2) Nano-ZrO2 particles are white pigment materials with a dimension of five to 100nm. It not only has fine aesthetic property, but it also has a good insulator, resistant to chemicals, and is hard, flexible, and durable (Ashby et al., 2009). h) Wolfram (Tungsten) Oxide Nanoparticles (WO3) Tungsten trioxide is used in the production of smart windows. The windows are controlled electrically and can be switched to change the light transmission. The amount of tint can be varied to enable the user to vary the amount of light and heat that can pass through (Ashby et al., 2009). The process of manufacturing new nano-materials There are various processes used to manufacture nanoparticles with diverse levels of speed, cost, and quality. The process involves cost effective and reliable manufacturing of nanomaterials, structures, or devices. The manufacturing techniques can fall under two categories: top-down approach and bottom-down approach (Zhong, 2012). a) Bottom-up manufacturing Bottom-up technique involves creating a structures or a product by starting with an atom or molecule scale components. The techniques used to achieve this goal can be put into three forms: positional assembly, self assemble and chemical synthesis. As discussed below, chemical synthesis uses large number of particles, atoms, or molecules and arrange them through natural process to form the required product. In the positional assembly, single molecules or atoms are placed one by one (Acton, 2012). i) Chemical synthesis This is a technique used to produce particles that can be used directly in bulk in a random manner or in a block of structured materials, using the self assembly or positional assembly techniques. The starting point for the process is precursor phase, which can be created through a chemical process. Nanoparticles are formed through vaporization of precursor mix. A chemical reaction produce pure and high performing films, before performing additional solid-state phase transformation to generate a final product (Bartos, 2004). The nanoparticles produced tend to agglomerate, so they are manufactured from a liquid phase to reduce agglomeration and to control easily. The handling process for nanomaterials is very important as they influence the characteristics of the nanophase materials. For example sintering will produce a unique complex material, which may not be possible through other methods. Metal oxide nanomatreialss like TiO2, SiO2, and ZnO are currently available in liquid suspension or in powder form. TiO2 is currently used in currently used in skin care. The multifunctionality of nanoparticles enables wide application in construction. For example, ZnO can be used in photovoltaic and solar cells, and fro displays (Acton, 2012). ii) Self assembly This is a production process, in which molecules or atoms come together to form ordered structures through chemical or physical interaction, without outside aid. Self-assembly occur naturally for example formation of complex structures of snowflakes and salt crystals. This technique takes advantage of the process to form product, thus using less energy and produce less waste. Improvement in the technique characteristics can be achieved through kinetic and thermodynamic processes at nanoscale. The process can be accelerated using external forces like magnetic or electric field. The process id called direct self-assembly (Ram Rao, and Govindaraj, 2011). CNT that can be produced through this process can be applied in the production of sensors, composites, fuel and battery cells, and conductive plastics. CNT can be produced using various techniques that include pyrolysis of hydrocarbons using a metal catalyst, ablation of graphite that has been doped with a metal using laser and carbonarc discharge (Ahmed & Jackson, 2009). iii) Positional assembly This is a technique in which molecules or atoms are positioned or manipulated one at a time, using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) on optical tweezers. It is an extremely labour intensive technique, which may only be applied, in atomic scale manufacturing process. The advantage of SPM is its ability to measure surfaces with a lot of precision. Due to the fact that the structures can be fabricated one by one, has lead to the idea that the speed of production can be improved by fabricating nanoscale machines, which duplicate themselves as well as produce materials in parallel (Ahmed & Jackson, 2009). b) Top-down manufacturing This manufacturing technique involves reducing a large piece of material and machining or milling it into a nanostructure by removing material from it. The process can be done by use of techniques like lithography and precision engineering. This technique is more reliable and produce complex product, but it uses large amount of energy and produces more waste compared to the bottom –up technique. This technique is used to manufacture computer microchip (Ahmed & Jackson, 2009). a) Precision engineering This technique is used in microelectronics industry to produce semiconductor wafers used in computer chip, and in the production of precision optics that are used in printing wafer patterns. It is also used in consumer goods like CDs and DVDs. It enables ultra-precision machines to achieve high performance in accuracy in definition form and surface finishes, which in turn benefit various fields. The fields include cutting tools, precision machine tools, and sensors for servo-drives techniques (Şengül, Theis & Ghosh, 2008). b) Lithography This involves production of patterns on the surface using ions, electrons or light and depositing materials on the surface to produce a device. The advantage of this technique is its ability to make patterns in nanometer range. The main tools used include the tool that uses the ions or electrons to focus the beam and another that uses light projection through the mask to create patterns on the semiconductor wafer (Jackson, 2007). The methods that use ion or electrons are capable of producing electron beam with much precision, although they are too slow to be used in the production directly. It provides cost effective manufacturing technique for the production of semiconductors. Electronic beam lithography technique is used in repairing masks and other devices. The technique is also used in microelectronic to miniaturize mechanical moving parts, which can also be applied in on chip sensing (Şengül, Theis & Ghosh, 2008). Effects of nano-materials in the environment The frequent production, use, and disposal of nanomaterials will result in their release into the environment. Therefore, the production of nanomaterials will have an impact on the environment. Some of the product like nanomaterial based batteries consumes fewer amounts of resources and energy, but they are more efficient, which assist in the reduction of greenhouse emissions (Barceló & Farré, 2012). However, studies have shown that the materials have a potential risk to the environment. Although they are normally integrated into other components, if they are released into the environment, for example water, soil or air, they have negative effect on the environment such as limitation of production and growth of aquatic life like algae, or may affect the microbiological activities of the soil. The negative effect on the environment can be transferred (Ram Rao, and Govindaraj, 2011). The products are released into the environment through various means. Examples include treatment of waste water, products combustion and garbage disposal on land. However, they may end up in the environment through modified ways through their main counterpart. In addition, other nanomaterials are used in environmental remedial processes (Cardenas, 2012). The nanomaterials behave differently in the environment depending on the chemical and physical characteristics of nanoparticles, but also on the characteristics of the prevailing environment (Geckeler & Nishide, 2009). Nanoparticles tend to agglomerate or aggregate with other colloidal and dissolved materials existing in the surroundings. The particles may remain intake in the environment, settle, may dissolve, may associate with other ionic chemical substances or may transform to other chemical (Cao & Wang, 2011). The nanomaterials are expected to occur in the soil or in the sediments. The methods of exposure through the environment include air inhalation through air breathing by humans or other breathing living things, and also uptake by the aquatic life from sediments or water (Şengül, Theis & Ghosh, 2008). The organic matter in the environment, the ionic strength and the pH are the common factors in the colloid stability. The ionic strength and pH in sea water is high, which enables interparticle approach. This may lead to the increase in aggregation. In addition, the intrinsic characteristics of the particles and particular chemistry will affect their behavior, and the movement in the terestial and aquatic environment, and with the interaction with bio-organism (Ram Rao, and Govindaraj, 2011). The humic acid covers the nanoparticles with a protective layer and therefore keeps them longer. In addition, the increase in pH will lead to more aggregation. Similarly, surface modification of the nanomaterials will affect their behaviour in the environment. The hydrophilic property of carbon nanotubes increases the aggregation chances, and thus will accumulate in the environment. However, surface modification will increase dispersibility and low settling rate, particularly with the combination with organic water (Geckeler & Nishide, 2009). Comparison of old nano material and new constructed nano materials The old definition of nanotechnology referred to specific technology objectives for effective manipulation of molecules and atoms for fabricating macroscale materials. However, modern definition has changed from specific objectives to an inclusive research process for various types of technologies and research, which deals with unique properties of matter, which exist beyond a particular threshold (Mahalik, 2006). New nanotechnology is an extrapolation of the old nanotechnology to a new scale, such that the old conventional rules and tools were changed. Nanotechnology is actually the opposite of the old top down construction process. It involves more technical and economic considerations (OECD, 1998). The traditional nanotechnology was focused on the development of material science, microelectronics, and medicine. However, new nanotechnology is being applied in engineering construction. The advancement in instrumentation and technology, and their related studies like chemistry and physics has made significant improvement and application of nanotechnology (Roco, 2010). Nanomaterials started after nanostructures were formed in the big bang theory. Other nanostructures that exist by nature include skeletons and seashells. One of the first nanostructures is called colloidal particles made from gold by Faraday. Later, silica fume nanopatericles were produced in USA (Ohno, Tanaka & Takeda, 2008). In 1959, Feynman presented the idea of nanoscale materials being controlled and manipulate to the desired properties at atomic level. In 1960s, magnetic nanoparticles were used in tape recording (Ram Rao, and Govindaraj, 2011). In 1970s, nanomaterials were introduced to be possessing high precision, with the potentials to be applied in computer memory, mechanical, integrated circuit and optoelectronic devices. The bottom up technique was later introduced which enable the production of nanomaterials from molecular or atomic components. When scanning tunneling microscope was invented, more opportunities to create and manipulate structures at nanoscale were created. Currently, nanotechnology is one of the most promising fields, with a lot of investment fro private and public sectors. Nanomaterials are now used for various functional and structural applications that allow manipulation of magnetic, electrical, electrical, optical, catalytic, and mechanical properties. Nanophase materials are produced from separate small clusters to nanomaterial device (Şengül, Theis & Ghosh, 2008). Today, nanomaterials that are produced are lighter and use fewer materials, using sophisticated machines and techniques, which are sustainable and cot effective. New materials have been discovered that has the potential to provide unique behaviours, applications, and properties. Materials like carbon and silicon ant nanoscale exhibit unique properties like electrical conductivity and strength, which cannot possess at macro or micro-scale level. Nanomaterials with different morphologies like cuboids, nanotubes and nanowires has special properties (Ram Rao, and Govindaraj, 2011). Conclusion The product of nanotechnology provides great advancement in building and construction industry. It provides solutions to the current environmental issues that include reduction in reliance on the nonrenewable resources and improvement in energy saving, as well as reduce carbon emissions and waste reduction. Its application in building and construction is expected to rise due to the current trend of building more greener environment. The application of nanoparticles such as nano-Fe2O3, Nano-TiO2, nanosilica and nanoAl2O3 in the construction materials like concrete increases their mechanical properties. It enhances insulation and thermal properties of the construction materials thus reduction energy consumption. Other properties like antimicrobial and self-cleaning increase the life cycle and consumption of the materials in construction thus increase sustainable practices. The main issues with nanotechnology are its high cost of investment and possible health and environmental implications. Other issues that has hindered widespread of nanotechnology include lack of skilled labour and vision to identify the areas that can changed. The issues regarding the pollution related to the nanomaterials can be solved through proper management and adopting best practices in the construction industry. The development in nanotechnology has led to the production of advance materials that are used in the construction. The advancement covers electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. Full potential can be realized through application such as proper dispersion, safety, increase in production and lowering the cost through sustainable techniques. References Acton Q. A., (2012). Issues in Materials and Manufacturing Research: 2011 Edition, Scholarly Editions Ahmed, W., & Jackson, M. J. (2009). Emerging nanotechnologies for manufacturing. Norwich, N.Y: William Andrew. Ashby, M. F., Ferreira, P. J., Schodek, D., Schodek, D., & Schodek, D. (2009). Nanomaterials, nanotechnologies and design: An introduction for engineers and architects. Burlington, Mass: Butterworth-Heinemann. Barceló, D., & Farré, M., (2012). Analysis and risk of nanomaterials in environmental and food samples. Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd. Bartos, P. J. M., Hughes, J. J., Trtik, P., Zhu, W., Royal Society of Chemistry, & International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction. (2004). Nanotechnology in construction. Cambridge: RSC. Beylerian, G. M., Dent, A., & Quinn, B., (2007). Ultra materials: How materials innovation is changing the world. New York, N.Y: Thames & Hudson. Cardenas, H. E., (2012). Nanomaterials in concrete: Advances in protection, repair, and upgrade. Lancaster, Pa: Destech Publications. Cao, G., & Wang, Y. (2011). Nanostructures & nanomaterials: Synthesis, properties, and applications. New Jersey: World Scientific. Geckeler, K. E., & Nishide, H. (2009). Advanced Nanomaterials. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. Gopalakrishnan, K., Birgisson, B., Taylor, P., & Attoh-Okine, N. O., (2011). Nanotechnology in civil infrastructure: A paradigm shift. Berlin: Springer. In Vogel, U. (2014). Handbook of nanosafety: Measurement, exposure and toxicology. London: Academic Press. Jackson, M. J., (2007). Micro and nanomanufacturing. New York: Springer. Mahalik, N. P. (2006). Micromanufacturing and nanotechnology. (Springer e-books.) Berlin: Springer. Ohno, K., Tanaka, M., & Takeda, J. (2008). Nano- and Micromaterials. Dordrecht: Springer. OECD., (1998). 21st Century Technologies Promises and Perils of a Dynamic Future: Promises and Perils of a Dynamic Future, OECD Publishing Ram Rao C. N. and Govindaraj A., (2011). Nanotubes and Nanowires, Issue 18 of RSC nanoscience & nanotechnology, Royal Society of Chemistry Reich, S., Thomsen, C., Maultzsch, J., & Wiley Inter Science. (2004). Carbon nanotubes: Basic concepts and physical properties. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. Roco, M. C. (2010). Societal implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Dordrecht [u.a.: Kluwer Acad. Schulz M. J., Kelkar A. D., and Sundaresan M.J., (2005). Nanoengineering of Structural, Functional and Smart Materials, CRC Press Şengül, H., Theis, T. L., & Ghosh, S., (June 01, 2008). Toward Sustainable Nanoproducts: An Overview of Nanomanufacturing Methods. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 12, 3, 329-359. Zhong, W. H., (2012). Nanoscience and nanomaterials: Synthesis, manufacturing and industry impacts. Lancaster, PA: Destech Publications. Read More

The development of nanomaterials has been aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency of the building, improving the performance of the construction component and the durability, increasing the living comfort and assist in maintenance. It is also possible to realize self-cleaning using micro surface treatment and coating such as polysilazane coating, a feature, which has been used in promotion of nanotechnology (Acton, 2012). Nanomaterials such as ZnO and TiO2 are used during final varnishing in ceramic construction in order to bring the uniqueness to surface.

TiO2 can break down dirt when is exposed to UV light and left to be washed off by rain. ZnO facilitate UV resistance in paints or coatings. Al2O3 nanomaterials are used to make the surface resistant to scratch. The nanomaterials also prevent the growth of fungus or a smell (Jackson, 2007). The addition of nanomaterials in construction materials such a cement and steel will result in more durable, stronger, fire resistant, compactable and easy to clean material. Example of nanomaterials which can be used for these characteristics include carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, nanostructured metals and nano silica (In Vogel, 2014; Schulz, Kelkar and Sundaresan, 2005).

The current researches have been aimed at application of nanotechnology to alter the manufacturing process of cement so as to reduce the emissions of CO2 in the cement manufacturing. Structures made from concrete also benefit from nano-enhanced which prevent stains from adhering to it (Askeland & Fulay, 2006). Furthermore, the materials produce exhibit lightweight, resilient, flame resistant and self-healing building materials. Manufacturing of glass has benefited from nanotechnology. It has been used to produce smart windows, which are multifunctional.

Smart windows are easy to clean, energy saving, photovoltaic and can control UV light (Jackson, 2007). Insulation properties of construction materials have been improved. With the help of new advancement in nanotechnology, nanomaterials have been developed that have better insulating features and intelligent structures, which uses optimum amount of energy. The insulating constructions materials include vacuum insulated panels, nanostructure, nanofoams and aerogels (Askeland & Fulay, 2006).

Nanotechnology can be used in future to produce space living space that has sensing system that sense the environment such as the temperature and pressure, and act accordingly to fit the user needs. Although there are benefits of the use of nanomaterials in construction, they have potentials to produce harmful effects especially if the nanomaterials are released to the environment. However, with proper management of nanomaterials they have a potential to produce a promising future applications (Cardenas, 2012; Cao & Wang, 2011).

Examples of nano-materials in construction The characteristics of the materials differ depending on their sizes. For example, the properties of a material at nanoscale differ from those at larger scale. Physical phenomena such as quantum effect and electrostatic forces start to occur at the boundary limit. Nano-effect is created when atoms move to the surface of the material. The properties of nano-particles affect the behaviuor at micro-scale (Cardenas, 2012). Therefore, if nano-properties are manipulated properly, the macro-scale properties would be affected and new materials develop (Ashby et al., 2009). The nanomaterials that have potentials to be used in construction are discussed below. a) The Carbon Nanotubes These are cylindrical carbons that extend to several millimeters in length, and can be single walled or multi walled nanotubes.

Nanotubes belong to fullerene family structure and demonstrate unique strength, efficient thermal conduction characteristics, and electrical properties. For instance, they are eight times stronger than steel and have five times young’s modulus strength, with 1/6th density of steel (Reich et al., 2004). The advantages of carbon nanotubes include prevention of crack in the concrete, mechanical durability and facilitate thermal and mechanical properties and immediate structural monitoring.

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