NANO TECHNOLOGY AND

MATERIALS
PRESENTATION TITLE

CONTENT
1. What is nano technology
2. Nano materials
3. Types of nano materials
4. Why do we need nano
technology
5. Advantages and
disadvantages
6. Examples

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 WHAT IS NANOTECHNOLOGY?
NANOTECHNOLOGY

• This technological branch manipulates the molecular structure of

materials to change their intrinsic properties and obtain others
with revolutionary applications.
• This is the case of graphene — modified carbon harder than steel,
lighter than aluminium and almost transparent — or nanoparticles
used in areas such as electronics, energy, biomedicine or defence.
• In 1959 the American Nobel prize and physicist Richard Feynman
was the first to speak about the applications of nanotechnology at
the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
• With the 21st century, this area consolidated, was marketed and
came into its own.
• It includes other areas such as micro-manufacturing, organic
chemistry and molecular biology.
• In the United States alone, for example, more than 18 billion
dollars were invested between 2001 and 2013 through the NNI
(National Nanotechnology Initiative) to turn this sector into a
3 driver of economic growth and competitiveness.
WHAT ARE NANOMATERIALS?
• NANOMATERIALS ARE MATERIALS WITH STRUCTURES
AND PROPERTIES SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM
THOSE OF BULK MATERIALS DUE TO THEIR SMALL SIZE.
• THESE MATERIALS HAVE DIMENSIONS IN THE
NANOSCALE RANGE, USUALLY BETWEEN 1 AND 100
NANOMETERS, AND EXHIBIT UNIQUE PHYSICAL,
CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES.
• THEY ARE WIDELY USED IN VARIOUS FIELDS DUE TO
THEIR HIGH SURFACE AREA, REMARKABLE
BIOCOMPATIBILITY, OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL
PROPERTIES.
• SOME EXAMPLES OF NANOMATERIALS INCLUDE
NANOPARTICLES, NANOFIBERS, NANOTUBES, CARBON,
AND QUANTUM DOTS.
 TYPES OF NANO MATERIALS

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 NANO-ENHANCED CONCRETE:
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• Adding nanoscale particles, such as carbon nanotubes or nanofibers, to concrete can significantly improve its
mechanical properties. These nanoscale reinforcements enhance the strength, toughness, and durability of concrete,
making it more resistant to cracks and improving its lifespan.
• Nanoenhanced concrete refers to the incorporation of nanomaterials into traditional concrete to enhance its
properties and performance. Here are some examples of nanoenhanced concrete and the benefits they offer:
• Increased Strength and Durability: Adding nanoscale additives, such as nano silica or nano alumina, to concrete can
significantly improve its compressive and flexural strength. These nanoparticles fill in the gaps between cement
particles, resulting in a denser microstructure and reduced porosity. This, in turn, enhances the durability and
resistance of concrete against cracking, abrasion, and chemical degradation.
• Improved Workability: The addition of nano-size particles can improve the workability of concrete, making it easier to
mix, place, and finish. Nano additives act as lubricants, reducing the friction between cement particles and improving
the flowability of the concrete mixture.
• Enhanced Freeze-Thaw Resistance: Nanoenhanced concrete can exhibit improved resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.
Nanoparticles can modify the microstructure of the concrete, reducing the amount of pore space available for water
to enter. This helps prevent freeze-thaw damage caused by the expansion of water within the concrete during
freezing conditions.

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 • Self-Healing Properties: Certain nanoadditives, such as nanocapsules filled with healing agents, can be incorporated
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into concrete to enable self-healing capabilities. When cracks form in the concrete, these capsules rupture, releasing
the healing agents that react with moisture and seal the cracks. This self-healing property increases the service life of
concrete structures and reduces maintenance requirements.
• Improved Fire Resistance: Nanoparticles, such as nano clays or carbon nanofibers, can enhance the fire resistance of
concrete. They act as thermal barriers, reducing heat transfer and delaying the onset of structural failure during fire
exposure. Nanoenhanced concrete can exhibit improved fire resistance and lower fire propagation compared to
conventional concrete.
• Environmental Benefits: The use of nanomaterials in concrete can contribute to sustainability. Nanoenhanced
concrete often requires less cement, which reduces the overall carbon footprint and energy consumption associated
with concrete production. Additionally, the enhanced durability and longevity of nanoenhanced concrete structures
can lead to reduced maintenance, repairs, and material waste over time.

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 N ANO S ENSORS F OR S TRUCTURAL H EALTH
M ONITORING:
PRESENTATION TITLE

• Nano sensors embedded in building materials can provide real-time data on structural integrity, detecting strains, cracks, or moisture
intrusion.
• Nano sensors can be used to measure a variety of parameters, including strain, temperature, and vibration, which can be used to
detect and assess damage in structures
• Magnetic nanoparticles: Magnetic nanoparticles can be used to measure the magnetic field changes caused by damage in a struct ure
. Optical fibers: Optical fibers can be used to measure strain, temperature, and vibration
• Example for the Nano sensors are used to monitor a bridge for signs of damage. The nano sensors are embedded in the concrete and
steel of the bridge, and they are designed to measure strain, temperature, and vibration. If any of these parameters change o utside of
a predetermined range, the nano sensors will send an alert to a monitoring station. This allows the bridge to be monitored for
damage 24/7, which can help to prevent failures and keep people safe

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PRESENTATION TITLE NANOSTRUCTURED COATINGS
• Nanostructured coatings are thin films or layers with a nanoscale structure that provide unique properties and
functionalities. They can be applied to various surfaces to enhance their performance. Here are some examples of
nanostructured coatings:
• Anti-Reflective Coatings: Nanostructured coatings can be applied to glass or optical surfaces to reduce reflection and
glare. These coatings utilize nanostructures to manipulate light, allowing more light to pass through and improving
optical clarity and efficiency.
• Self-Cleaning Coatings: Nanostructured coatings can create surfaces that are resistant to dirt, water, and other
contaminants. These coatings utilize nanoscale textures or hydrophobic nanoparticles, enabling easy removal of dirt
and water droplets by self-cleaning mechanisms, such as water sheeting or rolling.
• Anti-Fouling Coatings: Nanostructured coatings can prevent the adhesion of biological organisms, such as bacteria or
algae, to surfaces. These coatings use nanostructures or nanoscale chemical properties to create surfaces that are
inhospitable to microorganisms, reducing biofouling in applications like marine coatings, medical devices, or water
treatment systems.
• Wear-Resistant Coatings: Nanostructured coatings can improve the durability and wear resistance of surfaces. These
coatings can incorporate nanoparticles or nanoscale structures that enhance hardness, reduce friction, and provide
excellent lubrication properties, thus extending the lifespan of components or machinery.

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 • Nanostructured coatings are thin films applied to building surfaces to
provide self-cleaning coatings containing nanoparticles such as titanium
PRESENTATION TITLE dioxide can break down organic pollutants when exposed to sunlight,
keeping building exteriors clean.
• Additionally, photocatalytic coatings can help purify the air by
decomposing harmful pollutants.

• Corrosion-Resistant Coatings: Nanostructured coatings can protect

materials from corrosion and oxidation. By forming a dense and uniform
barrier layer at the nanoscale, these coatings can prevent the diffusion of
corrosive substances and inhibit the formation of corrosion products,
enhancing the longevity of metallic structures or equipment.

• Thermal Barrier Coatings: Nanostructured coatings can provide effective

thermal insulation. By incorporating nanoporous materials or ceramic
nanoparticles, these coatings can reduce heat transfer, making them useful
for applications such as aerospace components, engine coatings, or thermal
management in electronic devices.

• Antibacterial Coatings: Nanostructured coatings can exhibit antimicrobial

properties by incorporating nanoparticles with antimicrobial agents. These
coatings can inhibit the growth of bacteria or other pathogens, making
them valuable in healthcare settings, food packaging, or surfaces with high
hygiene requirements.
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PRESENTATION TITLE N a notechnol ogy i n f i re -resistance

• This is achieved by the mixing of carbon nanotubes with the cementious material to fabricate fibre composites that
can inherit some of the outstanding properties
polypropylene fibres are also being considered as a material for increasing fire resistance and this is a cheaper option
than conventional insulation.
• Nanotechnology offers promising solutions for enhancing fire resistance in various materials. Here are a few examples
of how nanotechnology has been applied to improve fire resistance:
• Flame Retardant Coatings: Nanoparticles such as metal oxides. e.g., aluminum oxide or titanium dioxide can be
incorporated into coatings or paints to enhance fire resistance. These nanoparticles act as flame retardants by
absorbing and dissipating heat, forming a protective barrier on the surface, and reducing flammability.
• Nanocomposites: Nanoparticles can be added to polymers or other composite materials to improve their fire
resistance. For example, carbon nanotubes or nanoclays can be incorporated into plastics, creating nanocomposites
that exhibit enhanced thermal stability and reduced flammability.
• Fire-Resistant Fabrics: Nanotechnology has been used to develop fire-resistant textiles. Nanoparticles or nanocoatings
can be applied to fabrics to enhance their resistance to heat and flames. These coatings can provide a barrier that
prevents the spread of fire and reduces the release of toxic gases.

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 • Aerogels: Nanotechnology has enabled the development of aerogels, which are lightweight, highly porous materials
PRESENTATION TITLE with excellent insulating properties. Aerogels have been used as insulation materials in construction to improve fire
resistance by reducing heat transfer and delaying the spread of flames.
• Self-Extinguishing Materials: Nanotechnology has been employed to create self-extinguishing materials that can
automatically put out a fire. For instance, nanoparticles can be incorporated into polymeric materials that release fire-
retardant substances when exposed to high temperatures, effectively suppressing the flames.
• Fire Sensors and Detectors: Nano sensors can be utilized for early fire detection and monitoring. These sensors are
highly sensitive to changes in temperature, gas emissions, or smoke particles, enabling rapid and accurate fire
detection.

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PRESENTATION TITLE
NANO COATINGS FOR WINDOWS:
• Nano coatings can be applied to windows to improve their energy efficiency.
• Transparent coatings containing nanoparticles, such as metal oxides, can selectively control the transmission of sunlight and
heat, allowing visible light to pass through while blocking infrared radiation.
• This helps in reducing heat gain or loss through windows.
• Nano sealings have a kind of anti-aging effect. A surface sealed in this way can be seen, even over months to a year.
• Hydrophobic coatings repel water, making it easy to clean windows and preventing water spots from forming

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PRESENTATION TITLE N A NOSCALE I N SULATION M ATERIALS:
• Nanotechnology insulation materials with improved thermal properties, Aerogels which are nanoporous materials
with extremely low thermal conductivity, can be used as insulation to reduce heat transfer and improve energy
efficiency in buildings.
• Nanoscale insulation materials, also known as nanoinulations, offer unique thermal properties and enhanced
insulation capabilities due to their nanoscale structure. Here are a few examples of nanoscale insulation materials:
• Aerogels: Aerogels are lightweight, highly porous materials with an open-cell structure composed of nanoparticles or
nanofibers. They possess exceptional insulating properties due to their low thermal conductivity. Aerogels can be
made from various materials, including silica, carbon, or metal oxides, and they are effective at reducing heat transfer,
making them useful for insulation in buildings, windows, and aerospace applications.
• Nanofibers and Nanocomposites: Nanofibers, such as nanocellulose or carbon nanotubes, can be incorporated into
polymer matrices to create nanocomposite insulation materials. These materials exhibit low thermal conductivity and
high tensile strength. They can be used as thermal insulation coatings, films, or fibers to improve energy efficiency in
buildings or as insulating layers in electronic devices.
• Nanoporous Materials: Nanoporous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or zeolites, have a high
surface area and nanopores that can effectively trap and slow down heat transfer. These materials can be used as
insulation in areas with extreme temperatures or in applications where thermal management is crucial, such as in
cryogenics or high-temperature environments.

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 • Nano-Expanded Polystyrene (EPS): Expanded polystyrene foam can be further enhanced by incorporating
PRESENTATION TITLE nanoparticles or nanofibers into its structure. The addition of nanoscale materials improves the thermal resistance
and mechanical strength of the foam, making it an effective insulation material for construction, packaging, and
transportation industries.
• Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs): Although not strictly nanoscale materials, vacuum insulation panels utilize nanoscale
technology to enhance their performance. VIPs consist of a core material enclosed in a vacuum-sealed panel to
minimize heat transfer. Nanoscale materials, such as fumed silica, are often used to maintain the vacuum by reducing
gas permeability, thus increasing the longevity and effectiveness of the insulation.

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PRESENTATION TITLE N ANOMATERIALS F OR A IR A ND WATER
F I LTRATION:
• Nanomaterial-based filters for air and water purification. Nanoporous materials, such as graphene oxide or carbon
nanotubes, can remove contaminants and pollutants from air and water due to their high surface area and selective
filtration capabilities.

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Need For Nano Technology

Improved energy efficiency: nanomaterials can enhance the energy efficiency of buildings by providing better insulation,
reducing heat transfer through walls, roofs, and windows. This can lead to reduced energy consumption for heating and
cooling, resulting in lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.
Enhanced durability and structural performance: nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes or nanofibers, can be added to
construction materials like concrete, enhancing their mechanical properties and improving durability. This leads to stronger
and more resilient buildings that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and have an extended lifespan.
Sustainable construction practices: nanotechnology enables the development of sustainable construction practices by
providing materials and coatings that are environmentally friendly. For example, self-cleaning coatings based on
nanoparticles can reduce the need for chemical cleaning agents, while nanomaterial-based filters can improve indoor air
quality.
Smart building technologies: nano sensors embedded in building materials can enable real-time monitoring of structural
integrity, temperature, humidity, and air quality. This allows for proactive maintenance and optimization of building
performance, leading to improved safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Environmental remediation: nanotechnology can be employed for environmental remediation in the construction industry.
Nanomaterials can be used for the purification of water and air, as well as the remediation of contaminated soils and
construction sites. This contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Reduced maintenance and life-cycle costs: nanomaterials with self-cleaning or corrosion-resistant properties can reduce
the need for frequent maintenance and repair of building exteriors. This leads to lower maintenance costs and longer
intervals
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between major renovations, resulting in cost savings over the life cycle of a building
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): CNTs are cylindrical carbon structures with nanoclay
exceptional mechanical properties. They can be used to reinforce
construction materials such as concrete, polymers, and composites,
enhancing their strength and durability.Graphene: Graphene is a single
layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional lattice. It is
extremely strong, lightweight, and has excellent electrical and thermal
conductivity. Graphene can be used as an additive in concrete, coatings,
and membranes to improve their properties.
Nanoclay: Nanoclay refers to layered silicate nanoparticles that can be
dispersed in polymers or cementitious materials to enhance their
mechanical properties, such as strength, stiffness, and barrier Carbon nanotubes
properties. Nanoclay is commonly used in coatings, composites, and
films.
Nano Titanium Dioxide: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have
photocatalytic properties, meaning they can break down organic
Nano zinc oxide pollutants and self-clean surfaces when exposed to light. They are
used in coatings and paints to create self-cleaning and air-purifying
surfaces in buildings.
Nano Zinc Oxide: Zinc oxide nanoparticles possess antimicrobial
properties, making them useful in coatings, paints, and cementitious
materials to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae. They can
18 Nano titanium dioxide help improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of infections.
 Nanofibers: Nanofibers, such as carbon nanofibers and polymer nanofibers, have high
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surface area-to-volume ratios and can reinforce construction materials. They are used
in composites and coatings to enhance strength, toughness, and barrier properties.
Nanoporous Materials: Nanoporous materials have a high density of pores at the
nanoscale, providing unique properties such as thermal insulation, sound absorption,
and gas adsorption. They are used in insulation materials and coatings to improve Quantum dot
energy efficiency and acoustic performance.
Quantum Dots: Quantum dots are semiconductor nanoparticles that exhibit size-
dependent optical and electronic properties. They can be incorporated into lighting
systems to enhance energy efficiency and color rendering.

Nano Silica: Nano silica, also known as silica fume or amorphous silica
nanoparticles, is used as a cement replacement or additive in concrete to
improve its strength, durability, and workability. It fills in the gaps between Nano silica
cement particles, reducing porosity and enhancing the material's mechanical
properties.

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Nano fiber
Graphene Nanoporus
 Benefits
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Strength and Durability: Nanomaterials possess extraordinary strength-to-weight ratios, allowing for the
creation of lightweight yet exceptionally strong structures. Carbon nanotubes and graphene, for
example, have tensile strengths hundreds of times greater than steel. This enhanced strength and
durability can lead to longer-lasting buildings and infrastructure.
Improved Energy Efficiency: Nanomaterials can enhance energy efficiency in buildings. For instance,
incorporating nanoparticles into construction materials can enhance insulation, reducing heat transfer
and lowering energy consumption for heating and cooling. Nanocoatings can also improve the energy
efficiency of windows by allowing selective light transmission and reducing heat transfer.
Self-Cleaning and Easy Maintenance: Nanostructures can be designed to have self-cleaning properties,
enabling surfaces to repel dirt, water, and other contaminants. This reduces the need for frequent
cleaning and maintenance, making buildings more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Enhanced Structural Performance: Nanotechnology can improve the overall structural performance of
buildings. Carbon nanotubes and nanofibers, when embedded in concrete or other construction
materials, can enhance their mechanical properties, such as toughness and flexural strength. This can
lead to more resilient structures capable of withstanding extreme conditions, such as earthquakes or
high winds.
Improved Environmental Sustainability: The use of nanomaterials can contribute to environmental
sustainability in several ways. By improving energy efficiency, reducing maintenance needs, and
extending the lifespan of buildings, nanotechnology can reduce energy consumption, waste
generation, and the overall carbon footprint of the construction industry.
Customizable Properties: Nanotechnology offers the ability to engineer materials with specific
20 properties. By manipulating nanoparticles at the atomic or molecular level, it is possible to achieve
desired characteristics such as increased strength, flexibility, conductivity, or thermal resistance. This
level of customization opens up new possibilities for innovative and tailored building designs.
PRESENTATION TITLE Innovative Designs and Functionalities: Nanotechnology enables the creation of materials
with unique properties and functionalities that can revolutionize building design. For
example, transparent nanocoatings can be used to create smart windows capable of
adjusting their transparency in response to sunlight intensity, enhancing natural lighting and
reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Health and Safety Benefits: Nanomaterials can be engineered to be resistant to microbial growth,
thereby enhancing indoor air quality and reducing the risk of infections or allergies. Additionally,
nanocoatings can provide protection against corrosion, reducing the risk of structural damage and
improving the safety of buildings.

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 Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of nano materials Disadvantages of Nanomaterials
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1.Enhanced mechanical properties: Nano materials often 1.Health and safety concerns: The small size and increased
exhibit exceptional mechanical properties such as increased reactivity of nano materials can pose potential health risks.
strength, hardness, and toughness compared to their bulk Certain nano materials, when inhaled or ingested, may have
counterparts. This makes them desirable for applications adverse effects on human health, such as respiratory issues or
requiring lightweight and high-strength materials, such as toxicological effects. It is crucial to ensure appropriate safety
aerospace components, sports equipment, and structural measures and risk assessments are in place during the
materials.
production, handling, and disposal of nano materials.
2.Improved electrical and thermal conductivity: Certain nano 2.Environmental impact: The environmental impact of nano
materials, like carbon nanotubes and graphene, possess materials is still being studied and understood. There are
excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. These concerns regarding the potential accumulation of nano
properties are crucial for the development of high- materials in ecosystems and their long-term effects on
performance electronics, energy storage devices, and heat organisms and ecosystems. Proper waste management and
management systems. disposal strategies are necessary to minimize any adverse
environmental impact.
3.Enhanced chemical reactivity: Nano materials have a larger
3.Cost: Nano materials can be expensive to produce, primarily
surface area-to-volume ratio, which significantly increases
their surface reactivity. This makes them ideal for catalytic
due to the complexity and specialized techniques involved in
applications, where they can accelerate chemical reactions, their synthesis. The cost of production can limit their
improve efficiency, and reduce the amount of required widespread adoption in certain industries, especially for large-
catalyst material. scale applications.
 4.Tailorable optical properties: Nano materials can exhibit unique 4.Manufacturing challenges: The manufacturing processes for nano
optical properties due to quantum confinement effects. By materials can be complex and require specialized equipment and
manipulating the size, shape, and composition of nano materials, expertise. Scaling up production to meet commercial demands can be
their optical properties such as color, fluorescence, and light challenging, and it may be difficult to achieve consistent quality and
absorption can be precisely controlled. This is beneficial for various reproducibility at larger scales.
fields, including optics, displays, sensors, and solar energy
harvesting.

5.Versatility and customization: Nano materials can be engineered 5.Lack of standardization and regulation: The field of nano materials is
and customized to meet specific requirements. Their properties rapidly evolving, and there is a lack of standardized testing methods and
can be fine-tuned by adjusting factors such as size, shape, surface regulations to assess their safety and performance. This can hinder their
chemistry, and composition. This versatility allows for the widespread use and create uncertainty for both manufacturers and
development of tailored materials for diverse applications across consumers.
industries.

6.Environmental benefits: Nano materials can contribute to 6.Limited understanding of long-term effects: The long-term effects of
environmental sustainability. For instance, they can be used to exposure to nano materials, both in terms of health and environmental
improve energy efficiency in buildings by enhancing insulation impact, are not yet fully understood. More research is needed to
materials and solar panels. Nano materials can also be employed comprehensively evaluate their effects over extended periods and
for water purification and environmental remediation, aiding in the across different scenarios.
removal of pollutants and contaminants from water and soil.

7.Miniaturization and integration: The nanoscale size of these 7.Potential for unintended consequences: The unique properties of nano
materials allows for miniaturization and integration into various materials may lead to unintended consequences when integrated into
23 devices and systems. This has facilitated advancements in various applications. It is crucial to conduct thorough risk assessments
electronics, biomedical devices, sensors, and nanomedicine, and consider potential unintended effects, such as nanomaterial toxicity,
enabling compact and efficient technologies. environmental persistence, or interactions with other materials.
 Inference
It's important to note that while nano materials offer many
advantages, there are also challenges and potential risks
associated with their production, handling, and disposal.
Therefore, responsible development and use of nano materials
require careful consideration of their potential impact on
health, safety, and the environment.

Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary

approach involving researchers, manufacturers, regulators, and
policymakers to ensure the safe and responsible development,
use, and disposal of nano materials.

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Examples

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 CONCLUSION
• Present day we are in great search for alternate materials this can effectively be
achieved through the emerging field of Nanotechnology.
• Nanotechnology is not exactly a new technology, rather it is an extrapolation of
current ones to a new scale.
• The main limitation is the high costs of nanotechnology, also concerns with the
environmental and health effects.
• There is wide scope of research for application of nanotechnology in the building
industry and it shall help in conserving the material resources.

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THANK YOU