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What is Nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is the science of making, and using, materials, drugs, machines etc at the atomic level which have unique properties, both physical and chemical, thanks to the effects of quantum mechanics. It may be some time before the science fiction dreams of powerful machines no bigger than a small collection of atoms becomes reality but we are already manufacturing such products as stain resistance treatment for fabrics which utilise billions of tiny 'whiskers' which hold pollutants at bay; particles of silver only a few molecules in size, designed to kill bacteria which come into contact with treated bandages; sunscreens, containing particles of zinc oxide too small to be visible, which block out ultraviolet light, etc etc. The intention now is to use nanotechnology to pruduce stronger and lighter fabrics, platics, metal-based products, structural units, electrical components and a whole host of other materials which are lighter, cheaper to produce, stronger, more resistant to corrosion or degradation than their conventional equivalents thus saving costs of manufacture, distribution, assembly, construction and even eventual disposal. Nano-coatings will probably protect structures from radiation, light degradation, acid or alkali attack or oxidation; electronic devices could give us computing and storage power at enormousy higher levels than at present. Perhaps most important of all the cost and efficiency of photo-electric cells could make power from sunlight a commercial success and render all fossil burning fuels obsolete overnight and make it possible for us to eventually bring a halt to the dangers of greenhouse gas production. The scientific and engineering difficulties are many and complex but the benefits that progress in these filelds could bestow upon the human race are colossal. We are on the verge of another giant leap for mankind; whether this will a leap into a bright new world or one of darkness and despair remains to be seen. Copyrighted 2002 All Rights Reserved |
