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What is Nanotechnology?
The term "Nanotechnology" has evolved over the years to mean "anything smaller than microtechnology", such as nano powders and other things that are nanoscale in size. "Nano" comes from the Greek "dwarf". It is used in the metric system to refer to "billionth" - a nanometre (nm) is a billionth of a metre. Put another way, this is about 1/50,000th the width of a human hair. Normal office paper is about 100,000nm thick.
Nanotechnologists will typically work in the range 1-100nm.
Many materials once they are individually reduced below 100 nanometers, begin displaying a set of unique characteristics based on quantum mechanical forces that are exhibited at the level. Due to these quantum mechanical effects, materials may become more conducting, be able to transfer heat better or have modofoed mechanical properties. By taking advantage of quantum - level properties, Molecular Nanotechnology (MNT) allows for unprecedented control of the material world, at the nanoscale, providing the means by which systems and materials can be built with exacting specifications and characteristics
Nanotech should not be confused with miniaturisation – although it will lead to smaller components in chips, for example. Nanotech exploits the novel properties seen in materials when their atoms and molecules are very carefully arranged. These properties are not generally seen in large-scale solids of the same chemical composition.
The Nano impact
Advances in nanotech will affect electronics and computing, medicine, cosmetics, foods, the military, energy – all walks of life. By 2020, $1 trillion worth of products could be nano-engineered in some way. The cosmetics industry already puts nano-particles in lotions, creams and shampoos. Nano-sized zinc oxide particles are used in suncreams. The particles are particularly good at absorbing ultra-violet rays, but make the lotion transparent and smooth instead of sticky and white.Pilkington coats the surface of its Activ glass with titanium oxide nano-particles. Sunshine on these special windows triggers a chemical reaction which breaks down dirt. When water hits the glass, it spreads evenly over the surface, instead of forming droplets, and runs off rapidly taking the dirt with it. Carbon nanotubes are sheets of graphite (carbon) that are rolled up on themselves. Just a few nanometres across, these ultra-strong cylinders can make composite coatings for car bumpers that better hold their shape in a crash. The tubes can also absorb hydrogen, which should enable more efficient storage of future fuels.
The clothing industry uses nanotech to make stain-repellent fabrics. A chemical process during manufacture forces liquids to bead up when spilled on a garment for easy wiping away. Socks that are made with nano-silver particles give anti-microbial protection, preventing bacteria and fungus that cause itchiness and smells.
Nuclear subs that course through the blood to shoot cancerous tumours with a laser; self-replicating nanobots that escape from a lab to devour the Earth in a "grey goo" – this is all the stuff of airport novels. The physics at this scale tells us that tiny propellers, for example, simply would not work in the way envisaged.
