GEC108

Science, Technology and Society

Scientific Discoveries, Inventions and Society

Nanotechnology Image Source: https://www.totalphase.com/blog/2017/05/impact-technology-lives-

future-technology/
GEC 108: Science, Technology, and Society

Structural and functional materials: The

advent of nanotechnology

Prepared by:
Jerame B. Beloy
 LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Define nanotechnology;
2. Characterize nanoscale;
3. Describe the various uses of nanotechnology;
4. Discuss concerns on the use of
nanotechnology; and
5. Explain the status of the use of
nanotechnology in the Philippines
NANO & TECHNOLOGY
• A Nanometre is a unit of length in the metric
system, equal to one billionth of a metre (10-9).

• Technology is the making, usage, and

knowledge of tools, machines and techniques, in
order to solve a problem or perform a specific
function.
What is nanotechnology?

Video

1. What is Nanotechnology?
(Time: 4:41)
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAOFpgocfrg
 Definition
• Nanotechnology is the
study of manipulating
matter on an atomic scale.

• Nanotechnology refers
to the constructing and
engineering of the
functional systems at very
micro level or we can say at
atomic level.

• A Nanometer is one
billionth of a meter,
roughly the width of three
or four atoms. The average
human hair is about
25,000 nanometers wide.
History
• The first ever concept was presented
in 1959 by the famous professor of
physics Dr. Richard P. Feynman.

• Invention of the scanning

tunneling microscope in 1981 and
the discovery of fullerene (C60) in
1985 lead to the emergence of
nanotechnology.

• The term “Nano-technology" had

been coined by Norio Taniguchi in
1974
• The early 2000's also saw the
beginnings of commercial
applications of nanotechnology,
although these were limited to
bulk application of
nanomaterials.

• Silver nano platform for using

silver- nanoparticles as an
antibacterial agent,
nanoparticle-based
transparent sunscreens, and
carbon nanotubes for stain-
resistant textiles.
Timeline
 Approaches in nanotechnology
1. Bottom up:

In the bottom up approach different

materials and devices are
constructed from molecular
components of their own. They
chemically assemble themselves by
recognizing the molecules of their
own breed.

• Examples of molecular self assembly

are Watson crick base pairing ,
nano-lithoghraphy .
2. Top down:
In top down approach nano objects and
materials are created by larger entities
without bouncing its atomic reactions
usually top down approach is practiced less
as compared to the bottom up approach.

• Solid-state techniques can also be used

to create devices known as
nanoelectromechanical systems or
NEMS, which are related to
microelctromechanical systems or
MEMS.

• MEMS became practical once they could be

fabricated using modified semiconductor
device fabrication technologies, normally
used to make electronics.
This idea of building things from the atoms and working up is
interesting for researchers.
‘TOP DOWN’ Computers and phones are getting
smaller yet more powerful. This trend
demands smaller and smaller
components, getting down to the
nanoscale. It makes sense to be able to
create these nano-devices from the
‘bottom up’. Rather than the more
traditional ‘top down’ approach to
manufacturing.
Manufacturing from the ‘bottom up’ would
‘BOTTOM UP’
mean less energy and less waste.
Moving atoms individually is still not a viable technique for
creating nanostructures because it’s too slow. However there is
another process called ‘SELF ASSEMBLY’, often seen in nature,
which scientists can exploit.

Atoms, molecules or nanoparticles will

arrange themselves into larger structures if
they have the right properties and
environments.
This process plays a central role in the
construction of DNA, cells, bones and viruses.
These all self assemble without assistance.
 Materials used
• Zinc oxide:
▫ Dirt repellent, hydrophobic , cosmetics & stain
resistant.

• Silver ion:
▫ Healing property

• Aluminum silicate:
▫ Scratch resistance

• Gold ion:
▫ Chip fabrication, drug delivery.
 Application Of
Nanotechnology
 Nanotechnology in Drugs(Cancer)
• Provide new options for drug delivery and drug
therapies.

• Enable drugs to be delivered to precisely the right

location in the body and release drug doses on
a predetermined schedule for optimal treatment.

• Attach the drug to a nanosized carrier.

• They become localized at the disease site, i.e cancer

tumour.

• Then they release medicine that kills the tumour.

• Current treatment is through radiotherapy or

chemotherapy.

• Nanobots can clear the blockage in arteries.

 Nanotechnology in Fabrics
• The properties of familiar materials are
being changed by manufacturers who are
adding nano-sized components to
conventional materials to improve
performance.

▫ For example, some clothing

manufacturers are making water and
stain repellent clothing using nano-
sized whiskers in the fabric that cause
water to bead up on the surface.

▫ In manufacturing bullet proof jackets.

▫ Making spill & dirt resistant,

antimicrobial, antibacterial fabrics.
Nanotechnology in Mobile
• Morph, a nanotechnology concept device
developed by Nokia Research Center (NRC) and
the University of Cambridge (UK).

• The Morph will be super hydrophobic making

it extremely dirt repellent.

• It will be able to charge itself from available light sources using

photovoltaic nanowire grass covering it's surface.

• Nanoscale electronics also allow stretching. Nokia envisage that a

nanoscale mesh of fibers will allow our mobile devices to be bent,
stretched and folded into any number of conceivable shapes.
Nanotechnology is the major driving force for the
technology revolution of the 21st century*

Electronic Products (2018)

*Wennersten et al. Handbook of Performability Engineering (2008)

 Nanotechnology in Electronics
• Electrodes made from nanowires enable
flat panel displays to be flexible as well
as thinner than current flat panel
displays.

▫ Nanolithography is used for

fabrication of chips.

▫ The transistors are made of

nanowires, that are assembled on
glass or thin films of flexible plastic.

▫ E-paper, displays on sunglasses and

map on car windshields.
 Nanotechnology in computers
• The silicon transistors in your computer may be
replaced by transistors based on carbon nanotubes.

• A carbon nanotube is a molecule in form of a hollow

cylinder with a diameter of around a nanometer
which consists of pure carbon.

• Nanorods is an upcoming technology in the displays

techniques due to less consumption of electricity and
less heat emission.

• Size of the microprocessors are reduced to greater

extend.

• Researchers at North Carolina State University says

that growing arrays of magnetic nanoparticles, called
nanodots.
• Advantages of using carbon nanotubes:

▫ Faster and smaller- carbon nanotubes can be used to produce

smaller and faster components.

▫ This will also result in computers that consume less energy.

▫ High speed and high capacity memory.

▫ Allows circuits to be more accurate on the atomic level.

Other uses
• Cutting tools made of nanocrystalline materials, such as tungsten
carbide, tantalum carbide and titanium carbide, are more wear and
erosion-resistant, and last longer than their conventional
counterparts.

• Silver nanocrystals have been embedded in bandages to kill bacteria

and prevent infection.

• Nanoparticulate-based synthetic bone

▫ Formed by manipulating calcium and phosphate at the molecular level.

• Aerogels lightest known solid due to good insulating properties is

used in space suits and are proposed to use in space craft.
Nanotechnology is the major driving force for the
technology revolution of the 21st century*

Discover Magazine Top Nanotechnology in Consumer Products (2010)

By formulating their
product with bits of
carnauba (palm-tree
wax) that are only
nanometers wide,
automotive cosmetics
maker Eagle One says
it's able to make a
coating that always
goes on clear.

*Wennersten et al. Handbook of Performability Engineering (2008)

Nanotechnology is the major driving force for the
technology revolution of the 21st century*

Discover Magazine Top Nanotechnology in Consumer Products (2010)

Clay nanoparticles
allow Miller Brewing to
bottle its beer in plastic
containers. The tiny
reinforcements keep
oxygen out and hold
carbon dioxide in,
which prevents the
brewed beverage from
spoiling.

*Wennersten et al. Handbook of Performability Engineering (2008)

Nanotechnology is the major driving force for the
technology revolution of the 21st century*

Discover Magazine Top Nanotechnology in Consumer Products (2010)

Gold nanoparticles can

make the pink "get ready
to be a parent" mark on
home pregnancy tests
much easier to read.
When a woman gets
pregnant, her body
immediately starts
making the hormone
human chorionic
gonadotropin (hCG).

*Wennersten et al. Handbook of Performability Engineering (2008)

Nanotechnology is already in our lives.

Nanoelectronics has
Some tennis balls stay
enabled the miniaturisation
bouncy for longer thanks
of electronic gadgets in daily
to a nano-structured
use.
inner layer.
Some tennis racquets
are made from a
Socks that contain antibacterial carbon-based
nanoparticles of silver are nanocomposite
supposed to keep your feet making them stronger
healthy and odour free. and lighter than ever
before.
Nanotechnology is already in our lives.
Some textiles are made very hydrophobic
using liquid repellent nanostructures which
enable them to be water and stain resistant.

Sun glasses which have

a nano-structured coating
are easier to clean,
harder to scratch, anti
Cosmetics and static,anti-misting and
sunscreens which anti-bacterial.
contain nanoparticles
can promote better
protection and
comfort.
Nanotechnology

Impacts on the society.

Beyond the toxicity risks to human health and the

environment which are associated with first-generation
nanomaterials, nanotechnology has broader societal
implications and poses broader social challenges.
Nanotechnology

Impacts on the society.

Military applications:

Compared to nuclear arms races, the ability to make

weapons with molecular manufacturing might be cheap
and easy to hide.

For developed countries: Cheaper wars since human may

not be needed on battlefield. Dominance.

For underdeveloped countries: An equalizer? Peace

promoting factor?
Nanotechnology

Impacts on the society.

Intellectual property issues:

Corporate control. Patenting of matter (just like patenting

of life in biotechnology).

The last few years has seen a gold rush to claim patents at
the nanoscale.
 Nanotechnology

Impacts on the society.

Benefits for developing countries:

Access to basic services, such as safe water, reliable energy,

health care, education, and telecommunication.

Production using little labor, land, or maintenance, high

productivity, low cost, and modest requirements for
materials and energy.

Global Dialogue on Nanotechnology and the Poor: Opportunities and Risks (http://www.merid.org/nano)
 Nanotechnology

Impacts on the society.

Risks for developing countries:

Protection of the environment, human health and worker

safety (poorly or unenforced regulations )

Link between commodities and poverty. Few commodities

for employment, government revenue, and export
earnings. Many applications of nanotechnology are being
developed that could impact global demand for specific
commodities (i.e. natural rubber).
Global Dialogue on Nanotechnology and the Poor: Opportunities and Risks (http://www.merid.org/nano)
Nanotechnology

Impacts on the society.

Effects on laborers:

People who work in unskilled labor jobs for a livelihood

may become the first human workers to be displaced by
the constant use of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology may give rise to nanofactories which may

have superior capabilities to their small carbon and
physical footprint on the global and regional environment.

Kurzweil, Raymond , The Singularity is Near (2005)

Nanotechnology in the Philippines

In the advanced economies, growth is largely fueled by

advancement in technology and therefore policies
concerning emerging technologies are key issues.

Under-developed or developing countries still struggle

with other concerns for growth and development. In the
Philippines, key issues are poverty alleviation, political and
economic stabilization, and industrialization.

The government would therefore understandably spend its

resources to address these important issues. Science and
technology is therefore usually left at the sidelines, necessary
but not necessarily a priority.

Erwin P. Enriquez, Ph. D., Nanotechnology: Dream or Reality for the Philippines? (2002)
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

Blessie A. Basilia, PhD, Status of Nanotechnology in the Philippines (not dated)

Nanotechnology in the Philippines

Nanotechnology focus were identified using the

following criteria:

(1) Environmental and health hazards and risks.

(2) Priorities of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

(3) Philippine priorities.

(4) Existing capabilities and required investment.

Fabian M. Dayrit, PhD, Nanotechnology roadmap for the Philippines: An overview (2010)
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

Based on the criteria set, the following are the

Identified priority areas

(1) Energy: nanostructured solar energy devices

(2) Applications of nanosensor technology to food,

agriculture, and environment

(3) Nanotechnology for environmental remediation and water

(4) Development of nanocomposite materials using local

minerals and biological resources.

Fabian M. Dayrit, PhD, Nanotechnology roadmap for the Philippines: An overview (2010)
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

(MSU-IIT) Blessie A. Basilia, PhD, Status of Nanotechnology in the Philippines (not dated)
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

Product of the Philippines

BOYSEN® KNOxOUT™
Air-cleaning and Self-sanitizing contains CristalACTiV™
Anti-bacterial Protection Technology
Odor-less and low VOC photocatalytic technology,
Water-based, lead-free and mercury-free which is ultrafine
Outstanding color retention
Acrylic water-based titanium dioxide, (TiO2)
Flat finish
that absorbs energy from
light and transforms
ordinary water vapor into
hydroxyl and peroxyl free-
radicals at the surface of
the TiO2.
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

Product of the Philippines

Nanoclay is the
commercial name for
organoclay or organo-
montmorillonite.

• processed from local

bentonite ore
• filler in POLYMER
Nanocomposites.
Nanotechnology in the Philippines

Product of the Philippines

Nanotechnology in the Philippines

Future Prospects:

The initial areas of future development will likely be

in the applications of nanoparticles and nanocomposites,
which can improve the properties and extend the
utility of locally available natural resources.

Fabian M. Dayrit, PhD, Nanotechnology roadmap for the Philippines: An overview (2010)
 Nanotechnology Deliverable

Reflection:

Assess your present environment (home, office,

classroom) and list down 5 things you see that
you think uses advance technology. Discuss
about how using such things affect your way (or
quality) of life, or your community?