Nanotechnology is expected to a $2.6 trillion market by 2015. At the
heart of this big new sector is something very small—molecules. To
understand how and why nanotechnology—which is defined as the
manipulation of matter at the molecular level—matters, you can begin at
home.
The Writing is Off-the-Wall
Behr and others are now using nanoparticles to produce anti-mildew paints and
anti-graffiti paints. Another company is perfecting a nano-enhanced
wall paint that blocks cellphone calls and, longer-term, researchers
expect to create a nano-solar paint that can turn your wall and even
your house into a giant solar cell.
Scratch-Free
BASF has developed a nanoceramic material that
is three times more resistant to scratching. It is already being
employed on kitchen tabletops and car exteriors. The company hopes to
have self-healing materials on the market in the near future.
Wipe Away Your Worries
Pilkington’s “Activ” glass uses
nanoparticles of titanium dioxide to create self-cleaning windows;
while Eddie Bauer, Tommy Hilfiger and Brooks Brothers all sell clothes
that contain tiny “nano-whiskers” and make pants, shirts and ties
resistant to stains of every kind. Upholstery and carpet are up next.
Wrap Your Head Around This: The New Flat Will Be Round
Nanostructured polymer films are
being used in next-generation OLED (organic light emitting diode)
lights. The benefit is that the lights are ten times more
energy-efficient than regular lightbulbs and can be wrapped around
poles. Super-thin, flexible electronic television screens that can be
curved to create a more immersive experience are on the drawing board.
A Germ-a-phobe’s Dream
Nano-silver particles and
nano-silver coatings—which have amazing anti-bacterial properties—are
being used to control germs, mold and fungus and are now in
refrigerators, air conditioners, humidifiers and food-storage
containers.
Another Reason to Despise Cloudy Days
A new solar fabric embedded
with nanocrystals has helped turned tents into solar collectors. The
real pay-off will come when the fabric in your clothing can help power
your cellphone. The army is already investigating this possibility and
commercial products are expected by 2010.
Get Some Skin in the Game
L’Oreal employs nanotechnology to deploy tiny capsules of Vitamin A to the optimum level under the skin. The effect? Fresher-looking skin and fewer wrinkles.
Less is More
Shemen Industries,
a small Israel company, is deploying 30 nanometer capsules of
phytosterol—a natural ingredient that helps lower cholesterol—in a
variety of food products.
So Long Skunky Beer?
Miller Beer uses clay nanoparticles in
its plastic beer bottles. The minute particles make it difficult for
carbon dioxide molecules to escape and help keep the beverage fresher
longer.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Starkey, Inc., an Eden Prairie-based company, uses a nanotechnology switch in its Destiny nFusion hearing aid to deliver high quality of sound to the user.
No Blood Money
Apollo Diamond uses
a process called chemical vapor deposition to grow two-carat diamonds
virtually overnight. Not only are Apollo’s diamonds are molecular
identical to natural diamonds, they less expensive; don’t take billions
of years to form; are more environmentally friendly; and no one is
exploited in the mining or manufacturing process.
Nano, Nano
The iPod Nano contains flash memory chips made with components measuring
less than 100 nanometers. Within a decade, continued advances in
nanotechnology are expected to help store all of a family’s digital
content—photos, songs, videos, TV programs—on a device the smaller than
an iPod Nano.
Get in the Game
NanoDynamic has created a nanotech golf ball that
reduces the distance a ball hooks or slices; Easton is making a
super-strong, superlight hockey stick with carbon nanotubes; and there
are even now nano-enhanced fishing rods, fishing lures, ski waxes and
bowling balls on the market.
Ice-fishing Just Won’t be the Same
Aspen Aerogel’s “Toasty Feet” insoles employ
an innovative nanomaterial designed to keep a shoe a stable 72 degrees
even if the wearer is standing on a block of ice. The company has also
developed a new building insulation material that has eight times the
thermal insulating properties of the best material currently on the
market.
You’ll Be On Your Way in No Time
A new nano-titanate material is being used in car batteries. It reportedly allows cars to run for 300 miles on a single charge.
