Physics of Nanotechnology ~1~

The Role of Nanotechnology

in Everyday Life

Outlines:
1. Introduction
2. Global Market for Nanotechnology Products
3. The Most Common Nanoscale Substance Used in Consumer Products
4. Various Uses of Nanotechnology by Sector
i. Cosmetics and Sunscreens
ii. Textile and Clothing
iii. Sports, Leisure, and Household
iv. Food and Packaging
v. Computers and Electronics
vi. Transport, Building and Construction
vii. Medical
viii. Environment
5. Nanotechnology as Dual-Use Technology
6. Challenges
7. Conclusion
8. References

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~2~

1. Introduction
Nanotechnology is referred to as a
general-purpose technology. Its field is
interdisciplinary. It is not an industry, nor
a single field of research. It is blend of all
the fields of science and all fields of life.
From clothes to computer hard drives,
nanotechnology plays an important role in
the manufacture of numerous products
that we use in our everyday life.

Whether we are in the office, at home or

on holiday, we can't escape
nanotechnology based on the
manipulation of the very small. Even
though, many nanotechnologies we are
using every day have been inspired by
nature, there is still a lot of untapped
potential left. And probably, some day we
will be able to apply all the methods
nature has employed.

Also, almost fully transparent nanostructures, which were found in the wings of
cicada insects, were used to improve non-reflective materials. Mimicking the
arrangement of molecules of the cyphochilus beetle would lead to creating a
substitute of potentially toxic pigments, which are used to create white paint and
paper.

Nanostructures that cover the surface of lotus leaves are able to repel water and
dirt. This effect can be used to create self-cleaning windows. Beetles in the Namib

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~3~

Desert use particular nanostructures that allow them to capture some moisture from
the morning fog. Such structures can be used in buildings to trap moisture for inside
use.

2. Global Market for Nanotechnology Products

In 2010, the total market for nano-biotechnology products was $19.3 billion whereas
it has reached upto $29.7 billion by 2015 with a percentage growth of 9%. Similarly
the medical applications and its sales in 2010 was at $19.1 billion with a growth rate
of 8.7% has reached $29 billion in 2015.

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~4~

More and many more products, the consumer products are branded worldwide as
nano.

3. The Most Common Nanoscale Substance Used

in Consumer Products
The current applications of nano-scale products in consumer products around the
world include the following fields:

Automotive,
Clothing and textiles,
Cosmetics,
Electronics,
Food, food additives and food packaging,
Household,
Personal Care/Health,
Sports Equipment,
Toys and Childrens Goods,
Medical Applicati.ons

Yet it has not been correctly known that how many companies are using
nanotechnology for their innovation and products development. By end of March 10,
2011, the nano-technology consumer products inventory contains 1317 products or
product lines. It was at only 212 products by the end of 2006.

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~5~

The most common nanoscale substance used in consumer products is nano-

silver (anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties).
Baby bottle nipples, door handles, food contact products, interiors of
refrigerators and washing machines, clothing, bedding, paints, cleaning
products, food storage containers, bandages, medical devices, mattresses and
childrens teddy bears (Nielsen 2008).
Carbon based nano-materials are the second class common nanoscale
material found in consumer products because they are:
o Light weight,
o High strength,
o Electrically and thermally conductive.
Sports equipment, vehicle parts, storage of power in batteries, moisturizing
effectiveness of cosmetics, drug delivery. (Maynard, 2006, Nielsen 2008)

4. Various Uses of Nanotechnology by Sector

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~6~

i. Cosmetics and Sunscreens

The use of nanotechnology in cosmetics and sunscreens has revolutionized the
showbiz industry. Some of the products in these fields are:

Nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO-sunscreens

Silver nanoparticles-antibacterial properties:
o Soaps,
o Toothpastes,
o Deodorants,
o Lip products,
o Make-up instruments,
o Hair brushes,
o Curling tongs,
o Foils for electric and razors,
o Foot massagers,
o Tooth brushes,
o Rubber gloves,
o Hair dryers,
o Facial ionic steamers.
Nanosomes: improves the solubility of ingredients and add shimmer
Nano emulsions and Nanosomes:
o Preserve active ingredients such as vitamins and anti-oxidants
Nano gold:

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~7~

o Healing and anti-oxidant properties e.g. sona belt an Indian product

Fullerenes, Bucky balls
o Anti-oxidant and smoothing properties in moisturizers,
o increased penetration into kin,
o Anti-aging properties
Companies working on projects in nanotechnology:
o LOreal,
o Olay,
o Mary Kay,
o Estee Lauder,
o Neutrogena,
o Johnson & Johnson,
o Avon,
o Chanel Dior,
o Lancme,
o Kara Vita. (FOE 2006, Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies)

ii. Textile and Clothing

The use of nanotechnology in textile and clothing industry has brought new and
modern fabrics and clothing which have very attraction for new era. These products
are as follows properties:

Stain resistant,
Waterproof,
Wrinkle resistant,
Antibacterial,
Radiation absorbency properties,
Windproof,
UV protection,
Breathable and grime resistant fabrics,
Companies working on it,
o Eddie Bauer,
o Gap,
o Lee Jeans,
o Old Navy,
o Bas Tiger Woods,
o Nike,
o Tommy Hilfiger. (Chicago Tribune, 2004)

iii. Sports & Leisure, Household

The sports industries have changed overnight due to the application of
nanotechnologies in this field. Mind blowing products with maximum strength and
outstanding durability have been manufactured by applying nano-science. Some of
these products are named as bellow:

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~8~

Tennis rackets,
Skis and snowboards,
Golf balls,
Nano-bike,
Baseball bats,
Sports clothing,
Nano-ceramic,
o Smooth and heat resistant household equipment e.g. flat iron
Nano-particles:
o Household appliances to kill bacterial and odors e.g. refrigerators, shoe
protection nano-sprays, etc.

iv. Food and Packaging

The involvement of nanotechnology in the food industries has brought a
revolutionary and outstanding change in the preserving methods of foods. The
packing and persevering techniques have been improved now. The following are the
outcomes in this field:

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~9~

Natural and engineered nonmaterial in the

food, additives and packaging.
New flavors and textures, less use of fat,
enhanced absorption of nutrients, blockage
of ingredients that contribute to elevated
blood cholesterol
Smart packaging identifying contaminated
food nanoscale sensors identifying the
presence of bacteria and releasing chemicals
as food spoils
Nano-material preventing adhesion of the
microbes to the surface and equipment
Nanosilver-food contact utensils and
containers

v. Computer and Electronics

The advancement in the field of computer and electronics is no doubt due to the
development in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The new and best
prices faster and smallest computers and mobile phones are its products. Some of
the facts and figures are as follows:

Computer technologies like:

o Mobile phones, digital cameras
o And other high technology equipment
Moores law:
o Decrease in size and increase in density.
Faster and smaller non-silicon based chipsets:
o Memory and processors
o New materials for semiconductor that increase processing speeds
o Advanced microscopy
o Faster and smaller telecom switches
o Higher-speed transmission
o New class of display using carbon nanotubes as emission device

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~10~

o Flat-screen TVs and computer monitors

vi. Transport, Building and Construction

The nanotechnology has produced outstanding development in the field of transport
and building and construction department. The light weight, fuel efficient cars,
aeroplanes and ships are the outcomes in this field:

Lighter and stronger materials

Paints with improved adhesion and anti-mildew properties,

Insulation with increased insulation properties

Concrete and steel with increased strength and durability
Glass that acts as a fire barrier
Self-cleaning sheet glass based on a layer of TiO2 nano scale particles
o Nano titanium dioxide is fixed in layers onto glass which enables suglight
to break down any dirt making it easy for the rain to wash the dirt away
on ships and tankers.

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~11~

vii. Medical

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~12~

Diagnostic devices, Contrast agents, analytical tools, physical therapy

applications and drug delivery vehicles
Cancer diagnosis molecular imaging intended to improve diagnostic
accuracy.
Targeting and localized delivery of drugs - delivering drugs specifically to
cancer cells using nanoparticles that can be loaded with drugs
The US Food and Drug Administration has already approved first generation
nanodrugs such as Abraxane, a nanoformulation of the anti-cancer
chemotherapy paclitaxel (T.Vines, T. Faunce 2009).
An anti-cancer drug approved by Health Canada containing a nanomaterial
designed to find cancer cells, which attaches itself to the cells and then
releases a chemical that kills them (Health Canada, 2008). The drug is only
released when attached to the cancer cell, the toxic side effects associated
with many drugs used for chemotherapy are thereby reduced(Nielsen 2008).

viii. Environment
Nanotechnology is being used in several applications to improve the environment.
This includes cleaning up existing pollution, improving manufacturing methods to
reduce the generation of new pollution, and making alternative energy sources more
cost effective. Potential applications include:

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~13~

Cleaning up organic chemicals polluting groundwater. Researchers have shown

that iron nanoparticles can be effective in cleaning up organic solvents that are
polluting groundwater. The iron nanoparticles disperse throughout the body of
water and decompose the organic solvent in place. This method can be more
effective and cost significantly less than treatment methods that require the
water to be pumped out of the ground.

Generating less pollution during the manufacture of materials. Researchers

have demonstrated that the use of silver nano-clusters as catalysys can
significantly reduce the polluting byproducts generated in the process used to
manufacture propylene oxide. Propylene oxide is used to produce common
materials such as plastics, paint, detergents and brake fluid.

Increasing the electricity generated by windmills. Epoxy containing carbon

nano-tubes is being used to make windmill blades. The resulting blades are
stronger and lower weight and therefore the amount of electricity generated by
each windmill is greater.

Producing solar cells that generate electricity at a competitive cost.

Researchers have demonstrated that an array silicon nano-wires embedded in a

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~14~

polymer results in low-cost but high-efficiency solar cells. This may result in
solar cells that generate electricity as cost effectively as coal or oil.

5. Nanotechnology as Dual-Use Technology

As a general-purpose technology, nanotechnology will be dual-use (more powerful
weapons and tools of surveillance).

The
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hosts the US Army Institute of
Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN).
Investigating smart materials able to be responsive to the conditions of their
environment, sensors able to detect chemical or biological warfare agents and
lightweight bulletproof materials.
According to MIT's Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies Future Warrior of
2025 will be equipped with an integrated technology system that provides:
o ballistic protection,
o communications/information,
o chem/bio protection,
o power,
o climate control,
o strength augmentation, and
o Physiological monitoring.
Near-term projects, nanocomposites and engineered nanoparticles for high-
energy munitions (ICB), nanometallics for armaments (ARL), nanowires and
carbon nanotubes for nanoelectronics (NRL), Neural-electronic interfaces for
visual, auditory and motor prostheses implanted into the body (DARPA, NRL),
etc.
More visionary applications and materials such as performance- enhancing
nanoengineered prostheses and bio-engineered weapons are conceptually
feasible.

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~15~

6. Challenges
The exact usage and quantity of nanomaterials is not known.
It is difficult to determine how and where nanomaterials are used in since
many manufacturers do not reveal it.
More and more consumer products are branded with the buzzword nano
(advertisement strategy).
Research is mainly motivated by immediate profitable return generated by
high value commercial products.
What number of announced inventions can become commercialized products
necessary for the society?
Are nanotechnology inventions wanted by the society?
How to regulate nano-enabled products?

7. Conclusion
There was an era in near past when centi and mili were the very common words
when people and researchers used these words for their discoveries and researches.
Then the micro era started and new devices started to be developed like
microscopes etc, and we started to write in micro-meters, micro-seconds, and micro-
farads etc. Now this is an era of nano in which we are talking about nano-particles,
nano-materials, nano-wires, nano-tubes, nano-medicines, and many more. We are
talking in nano-meters, nano-seconds etc. I think the next few decades will be of
Pico and then so on. The future will pull us towards positive and negative infinities
where we will go farther in the universe and similarly deeper into the materials from
mili to micro and from micro to nano and then nano to pico scales and then son on.
This journey will get going.!!!

University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18
Physics of Nanotechnology ~16~

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University of Gujrat
Department of Physics
M. Phil (Physics) Session: 2016-18