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What can nanotechnology do for me? |
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Remember when the internet was something everybody talked about but few actually understood? Now it is nanotechnology's turn.
If you thought it was to do with research into grandmothers, think again. It is a relatively new 'super-science' for understanding and applying the properties of matter at the nanoscale - molecules measuring one nanometre (one billionth of metre) in length.
That is ten times the size of a hydrogen atom, or about one eight-thousandth the diameter of a human hair.
Science may have allowed us to 'know' a material in microscopic form but nanotechnology goes far deeper into its nanometre-scale structure.
At this scale, matter exhibits very different properties, offering numerous nanotechnological applications and opportunities in industry, health and the environment.
Metals become semiconductors or insulators. Some substances, such as cadmium telluride, fluoresce in the nanocosmos in all the colours of the rainbow, while others convert light into electricity.
The European Commission's nanotechnology vision, Innovation For Tomorrow's World, describes the potential perfectly with a striking example: "One of the most refined technologies on a nano scale is the photosynthesis process, which collects the energy for life on Earth. Whoever can copy it using nanotechnology will have unlimited energy for all time." (Or at least as long as our sun continues to shine!)
The EC's Director of Industrial Technologies, Ezio Andreta, added that nanotechnology "offers possible solutions to many current problems by means of smaller, lighter, faster and better performing materials, components and systems.
"This opens up new opportunities for wealth creation and employment. Nanotechnology is also expected to make some essential contributions to solving global and environmental challenges by realising more specific-to-use products and processes, saving resources and lowering waste and emissions," he said.
In Perth, Advanced Nanotechnology Limited has invented and patented a unique, solid-state process for the production of a wide range of nanopowders.
Mechanochemical processing technology has allowed Advanced Nanotechnology to produce a range of new products, including a transparent, industrial zinc oxide nanoparticle dispersion system for functional coatings, and a completely clear sunscreen, providing superior UV protection without the pasty white look.
According to the company's CEO, Dr Paul McCormick, nanoparticles give a "much more homogenous coating which is important for enhancing protection and improving the overall coating as coatings are only as good as their weakest link".
"The real benefit lies in the stability and lack of mobility of the zinc oxide particles, as they will not degrade or leach out like the organic based absorbers. This, in turn, gives UV protection over a longer period of time," he said.
Dr John Bartlett, a materials scientist at ANSTO, said the promise of nanotechnology has been around for some time.
"Even through popular film and television we have been given the odd taste of what we could do," he said.
"Three decades ago, the film Fantastic Voyage told of a miniature craft capable of entering the human body to make repairs. As we move into the 21st century, researchers are working on technology to achieve these similar goals (minus shrinking people of course).
"The prospect of using nanotechnology to cure disease, create, create super-strong and light materials for cars and space exploration, or restore environmental systems on a molecular level are all part of the promise of nanotechnology.
"Most importantly, unlike so many other fields, nanotechnology is very likely to deliver," said John.
John is currently leading ANSTO's work in the area of nanostructural engineering.
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