A New Era of Style and Functionality: An Overview of the Growing Technology of Nano Fabrics - Coursework Example

A New Era of Style and Functionality (An Overview of the Growing Technology of Nano Fabrics) Na chnology has been considered as “the biggest thing since the microchip” [1]; “the science of the infinitely small” [2]; engineering at the atomic scale [3]. One of the emerging forms of nanotechnology is nano fabrics. Recent studies have been conducted to develop lightweight, flexible and high-performance textile that can be of use in many forms. The technology of nano fabrics has also been an avenue for previously impossible applications and designs in the electronics technology. Aside from the electronics industry, other practical applications of this new kind of textile are yet to be developed for the benefit of all levels of society. Introduction: How society functioned or worked without the technology: Man has used natural fibers since ancient times. For thousands of years, natural fiber has been used for both apparel and home fashion. Not long after, manmade fabrics were developed. Dating back to the first commercial production of rayon in 1910 [4], the manmade fabric industry has been growing enormously. Throughout the years, people from all walks of life have been using natural fiber, mostly coming from plant extracts for clothing and many other purposes. How the technology negatively or positively impacts our society: Positive Impacts: The development and use of nano fabrics offers a wide range of advantages to the society. People from all walks of life can possibly benefit from using nano fabrics. In an article entitled “Potent new ‘nano fabrics’ repel germs”, a few benefits of this new technology were mentioned which may be of great significance. Dawn Stover (2007) mentioned in this article that nano fabrics can contain components (silver nanoparticles) that ‘deactivate’ bacteria and viruses. Also mentioned in said article, another classification of nano fabrics have components (palladium nanoparticles) that can “break down harmful elements of air pollution”. [5] The new technology of nano fabrics is environment-friendly since it contains nanoparticles that can help remediate pollution in the environment. It can also be of efficient use in farming since these nano fabrics also have bug and insect repellant components. It can also be of advantage to those in the medical field, especially for medical emergency teams. Said article also mentioned that the US Army conducts further experiments to formulate “protective suits that could provide a barrier against chemical and biological weapons”. The Wall Street Journal, in a recently-published article also mentioned a scientist’s numerous visions of practical applications of nano fabrics: “Stanford engineer Yi Cui made the development by dipping ordinary paper or fabric in a special ink infused with nanoparticles…Homes of the future could one day be lined with energy-storing wallpaper. Gadget lovers would be able to charge their portable appliances on the go, simply plugging them into an outlet woven into their T-shirts. Energy textiles might also be used to create moving-display apparel, reactive high-performance sportswear and wearable power for a soldiers battle gear.” [6] Several other potential markets for nano fabrics are yet to be discovered as studies are being conducted. Negative Impacts: In an article by George Evlin (2006) [7], the author cited a part of another article at “Mindful News” entitled “Now is the Time to Learn About Nanotechnoloy”, which mentioned that “nanoparticles, being incredibly teensy, have an easy time getting into and around the body. And apparently under certain conditions, they can kill you...not just you but any body, be it human, animal or plant.” Also mentioned in another research work by “they [nanoparticles] may not be detectable when released…” [8] The discovery of nanoparticles and the advent of nanotechnology is now at hand and is yet to be explored. According to an article from the National Science and Technology Development Agency of Thailand [9], “nano products are widespread in local and international markets, but there has been no study into possible threats posed by the technology…” A comparison of the impacts of nanotechnology (nano fabrics) on a societal level: The technology of nano fabrics has many significant impacts on all levels of society. For the elite or high level of society, this technology not only caters to some of their immediate needs since this is now growing to be more and more available and highly accessible. It also offers a wide range of possible business opportunities. At the “Entrepreneurial Edge” section of the New York Times article entitled “Collaborating for Profits in Nanotechnology”, it was mentioned that “Working with materials that are a thousandth the diameter of a human hair, nanotechnology companies do not produce finished products in any one industry. Rather, nano particles improve performance and open new possibilities...” [9] For the middle class population on the other hand, consumers can benefit much from this technology as well. But since this technology is yet new in the market, the middle class population would have to struggle with cost. Besides, the technology of nano fabrics is still being looked into as a “potential” business opportunity and small-scale businesses would have to struggle with capitalizing this new venture. Apart from that, consumers are yet unaware of the consequences of this new technology and are not yet able to adapt to it. Yes, the technology of nano fabrics may offer a wide range of benefits but the big question is “Are consumers ready for the ‘next big thing’?” High cost and other consequences notwithstanding, this technology is yet to be explored and it could have more and more practical applications that are yet to be unraveled to the regular consumers. Feasible changes that could reduce negative impacts of this technology: Nano fabrics and nanotechnology in general have as much negative impacts as they have a host of practical applications that are beneficial to consumers. These negative impacts are caused by the main ingredient: nanoparticles. One of the most alarming risks of this emerging technology is that once the nanoparticles contained in the nano fabrics---being so tiny---get into the body, they could be fatal under any circumstances. The risk of “nanotoxicity” can be reduced. But the question is: how can we reduce the risk of “nanotoxicity?” David Rickerby, in his paper presented by the Asia Paicifc Nanotechnology Forum entitled “Nanotechnology and the Environment: A European Perspective” mentioned that “the ability to detect the presence of infectious or toxic agents in the environment is the first step towards taking remedial action.” [10] Some other feasible solutions to the risk of nanotoxicity and other negative impacts of nanomaterials are as follows: 1. Awareness campaigns on the nature, benefits and consequences of nanotechnology. This can be done in schools; the Government can also fund public health and safety and awareness programs on everyday products that contain nano materials, such as nano fabrics. 2. Regulating the use of nanoparticles to other more important and more practical applications. This can be done by scientists and those who are directly involved in the formulation and manufacture of these materials and also by law enforcers. New laws can also be enacted to regulate the production and use of nanotechnology by-products. 3. The business sector can also help in educating the public of the practical applications of these nanomaterial by-products, as well as the risks that come with their use by conducting risk assessments on the nanomaterials that they use and/or manufacture. 4. By-products of nanomaterials such as nano fabrics could also be treated just like any other hazardous materials. Recycling and recovery should be practiced in order to reduce risk. 5. More life-cycle analyses should also be conducted on nano fabrics in order to maximize its use and limit its production as well to reduce risk. Conclusion: Nanotechnology, particularly the technology of nano fabrics, offers a wide range of possibilities: possible applications that could eventually lead to another era of revolution. Is it a question of style and functionality versus toxicity? Are we ready to face the challenge? With its host of practical applications and growing popularity come many great risks that are yet unknown. But with the help of continued research and innovations, we are yet to face another challenge: the challenge of nanotechnology. List of Sources: 1. “Dangers Come in Small Particles” Hazards Magazine c. 2010 taken from http://www.hazards.org/nanotech/safety.htm 2. “Production not Protection” Hazards Magazine c. 2010 taken from http://www.hazards.org/nanotech/safety.htm 3. “What is Nanotechnology?” Hazards Magazine c. 2010 taken from http://www.hazards.org/nanotech/safety.htm 4. “History of Fabrics” taken from www.syl.com/hb 5. Stover, Dawn “Potent new ‘nanofabrics’ repel germs” 2007, taken from www.cnn.com/tecnology 6.” Nanotechnology may Help Turn Fabrics into Lightweight Batteries” (General Health News) Monday, February 22, 2010, taken from The Wallstreet Journal 7. George Elvin “MindfulNews addresses Nanotech Risk”; October 5, 2006 from www.mindfulnews.com 8. European Commission DG Environment News Alert Service, edited by BIO Intelligence Service 9. Flanigan, James “Entrepreneurial Edge: Collaborating for Profits in Nanotechnology” The New York Times, 15 July 2009 10. “How Small Particles Lead to Big Concerns” Copyright © 2005 - 2010 National Science and Technology Development Agency (Bangkok, Thailand) Science for Environment Policy 11. Rickerby, David “Nanotechnology and the Environment: A European Perspective” c. 2005 (Asia Pacific Nanotechnology Forum) No. of Words: 1,511 Read More