According to the article published in the recent edition of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), which is the weekly magazine of the American Chemical Society, the field of nanotechnology has a major influence on the construction sector.
Some analysts claim that nanotechnology will transform the construction sector, which is involved in activities such as building, repairing and renovating infrastructure.
The Senior Editor of C&EN, Bethany Halford, explains that the field of nanotechnology has made significant contributions to some major projects for humanity that went unnoticed. For example, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are enabling the surfaces of windows, buildings, and other objects to remain bright white or crystal clear for years together. These nanoparticles have the capacity to separate dust, airborne soot, and grime. When nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide are subjected to sun’s UV light, it disintegrates the pollutants deposited on glass or concrete.
Carbon nanotubes that can’t be viewed under a normal microscope are used to increase the strength of reinforced concrete. Nanotechnology also aids in making concrete a more sustainable product by enabling the recycling of fly ash, which is a byproduct from coal-fired power plants, thus manufacturing fresh concrete that can be used for new constructions.
Source: http://portal.acs.org/