Nanotechnology John Kelly Girls Technology College 16/11/2006

What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is basically a materials science which has the following features: 1)Research and development at molecular or atomic levels, with lengths ranging between about 1 to 100 nanometres. 2)Creation and use of systems, devices, and structures which have special functions or properties because of their small size. 3)Ability to control or manipulate matter on a molecular or atomic scale.

Advantages of nanotechnology Most inventions help us live a good daily life. Nanotechnology is a good technological advance because of its positive benefits to pollution, cost, food and many more. Nanotechnology could help fix many problems that we come across in our everyday lives.

When thinking about nanotechnology it’s useful to contrast it with another ‘revolutionary technology’ bio technology. The ‘bio’ part of biotechnology refers to what the technology is dealing with. Whereas with nanotechnology the ‘nano’ refers not to a thing but to the scale at which the technology takes place

The nano-scale Its difficult to grasp quite how small the nano-scale is. To give some reference points one nanometre (nm) is one billionth of a metre, or one millionth of a millimetre. A human hair is 80,000nm thick, a red blood cell is 5,000nm in diameter, a DNA molecule is 2.5nm wide and 10 hydrogen atoms arranged side by side measure 1nm.

Glass: 'Activ' self cleaning glass by Pilkington Sunblock: see through sunblocks by Boots, Body Shop, Green People and others Wound dressings: Smith&Nephew 'Anticoat' wound dressings Fuel additives: Oxonica/Cerulean International 'Envirox' fuel additive is in the process of being provided to the entire Stagecoach UK bus fleet

Cosmetics: L'Oreal 'Plenitude Revitalift' anti-wrinkle cream Printer paper: Kodak 'ColorLast' inkjet printer paper Clothing: Stain resistant and wrinkle resistant fabric by Nanotex used in some clothing lines by Levis, Regatta, Marks and Spencer, Eddie Bauer, GAP, Lee, and Kathmandu. Solefresh anti odour nanosilver socks from JR Nanotech Sports equipment: Carbon nanotube reinforced tennis rackets from Babolat. Tennis balls from Wilson

Nanotechnology…bad? Why do some people think it is bad? Many nanoparticles show unique chemical, electrical, optical, and physical properties. The great diversity of nanoparticles types have made it difficult for scientists to make general statements about the potential safety hazards that nanoparticles might pose to living organisms. There has been a study showing that inhaled nanosized particles gather in the nasal cavities, lungs and brains of rats. Scientists believe this build-up could lead to harmful inflammation and risk of brain damage or central nervous system disorders.

In late march 2006, six people went to hospital with serious respiratory problems after using a new German bathroom cleaning product called Magic Nano. The product was removed from sale after just three days. Some manufacturerers are using high strength materials for tennis rackets and golf clubs and stain resistant fabrics. These products contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide. But they all have one thing in common-their Nano components have not gone through safety tests.

The benefits in this product is supported by the nanotechnology so it helps the skin and gives vitamin D

The Bottom Line Ms. McCann tried this, and found the skin around her eyes felt soft and looked shiny at first but no lasting effects. She did not find it comfortable.

What are nanotechnology socks Nanotechnology socks contain nanoparticles of silver. These particles help kill the bacteria that makes our feet smell. Many people with smelly feet will benefit from this technology.

What We Will Be Doing. A student will be wearing socks made from nanotechnology for about 10 days. The student will observe how many days the socks take to get smelly. This student will record the socks progress day to day. This will start from 4 th November – 14 th November.

Table Day no. what has happened / what I have observed 1 I have just put the socks on. Quite comfortable, easy to walk in. 2No Smell 3 4Wash the socks because it was a bit smelly 5No smell 6 7No Smell 8No smell 9Wash the socks again

Tested on Teacher! Our teacher, Mrs. McCann also tried the Nanosocks. She found that they did not smell at all after wearing them for four days and thought her heels felt softer.