As nanotechnology is a science that controls the dimensions in the transition zone at the atomic level, the products developed from this method gain extraordinary functionalities. The application of nanotechnology in various building products and substances showed tremendous progress in the construction industry. The main focus now is to study how these functions can contribute to sustainable building construction .
The article enlists some perspectives to understand the beneficial side of nanotechnology to implement sustainable construction.
The building materials used with nanotechnology gain novel functionalities with unique characteristics. It is used in materials like cement, concrete, glass, paint, etc.
The addition of micro-silica enhances the mechanical properties , the durability, and the elasticity of the concrete . for instance, in concrete, the use of nano-silica or micro silica is a highly recommended application. The reduction of cement in concrete by the addition of micro-silica also claims to reduce the amount of energy consumption and CO2 emission.
Some of the key sustainable construction applications using nanotechnology are explained below:
Incorporation of nanomaterials in Cement and Concrete is one of the popular solutions from nanotechnology. The use of nanomaterials with cement and concrete increases the following properties of the mix: It works against the disastrous outcomes from cement and concrete frameworks to the environment.
Different nanomaterials used with cement and concrete are:
The silicon dioxide nanoparticles help to increase the compactness and assembly of the concrete. The self-sensing, flexural strength , compressive strength , and self-cleaning properties of the concrete are improved by incorporating nano-iron & nano-titanium in cement or concrete.
The decaying frameworks can be protected by fiber wrapping that consists of nano-silica particles and hardener. The nano-silica also plays a vital role in closing the split observed in the outside face of the concrete framework.
Incorporating copper nanoparticles with steel helps to smoothen the steel surface. Copper nanoparticles introduce the role of nanotechnology in steel materials. Smooth surface avoids the chances of cracking and prevents fatigue cracking.
Modification of the steel using nanomaterials gain higher strength ductility and fatigue resistance. The steel hence can withstand adverse climatic and corrosive environmental conditions.
The next innovation is the use of nanomaterials with glass. It is hence a means of energy conservation as it reduces heat loss. The combination permits the windows to gain property to regulate the amount of light passing through it and the construction walls.
The efficiency provided by glass treated by nanotechnology was found 75% more than ordinary glass. It is because the glass reduces the thermal loads that are transferred to space by solar radiation. It also provides daylight, thus reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The property of nanostructures to self-heal harmed surfaces of the structure brings tremendous advantage to the construction industry. The use of nanosensors in structures helps to foresee the existing failures in the structures.
A concrete mix that has cracks are slowly recovered by a healing agent released by the rupture of microcapsules. The healing agent is filled in the crack by capillary action. The agent, with the help of catalyst embodied, starts to polymerize and close the cracks.
Nanotechnology can be used as starch-based coatings, nanofiber mats, hydrogels, and Polyetherimide nanocomposites foams to increase fire resistance.
The non-inflammable characteristics and heat resistance of plastic substance can be optimized by the addition of nanostructured silicate particles into it. It is used for the manufacture of cable insulations, electric sockets, fuse boxes, and appliances. A nanomaterial like silicon dioxide can withstand the fire of 1832F for more than 2 hours.
Nanotechnology has many positive impacts on the building industry. For instance, 2000 million tons of cement is manufactured every year that contributes to 5% of global anthropogenic carbon-dioxide emissions. The use of nanotechnological innovations like belite, calcium sulfo aluminates, and calcium alumino ferrite can decrease the carbon-di-oxide by 25 percent.
The essential positive impacts of nanotechnology in building are:
The application and use of nanotechnology are many in the construction industry. Select the best option, keeping in mind sustainability and efficiency factors.
Nanomaterials, however, are chemicals that must be used and dealt with planned regulations. Its use and handling is done with special precautions, or else it causes severe issues to human and environment.
Some of the suggestions provided by the researchers to effectively use nanomaterials are:
Different nanomaterials used to produce efficient and sustainable construction substances are Silica and Nano clays, Nano Iron (Fe2O3), Nano Alumina Al2O3, CuO, Zinc Oxides, and Titanium Oxides. Variations of these basic substances are developed and used widely.
The building effectiveness can be improved by using glass that is blend with nanomaterials. These specially treated glasses reduce the heat transfer through the building envelope hence reducing the thermal loads transferred to the space from the sun through radiation. Nanosensors can be used to detect the repair in structures, and early repairs are possible by this approach. The use of microcapsules in concrete with high chances of crack formation helps to improve the “self-healing” properties of concrete.
This may cause health issues. The main issue with nanomaterials is its direct exposure to the environment and people handling it. Specially planned and designed rules and regulations for handling and working with nanomaterials is mandatory.
Nanotechnology can be used by starch-based coatings, nano-fiber mats, hydrogels, polypropylene fibers with concrete, and Polyetherimide nanocomposites foams to increase the fire resistance of construction materials and components.