ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology is not a new science and it is not a new technology. Nanotechnology is an enabling technology that allows us to develop materials with improved or totally new properties . It is rather an extension of the sciences and technologies already developed for many years, to examine the nature of our world at an ever smaller scale. This paper deals with the various applications of nanotechnology in the field of construction . The construction business will inevitably be a beneficiary of this nanotechnology . Its application to make self cleaning glass and paints that are more insulating and water repelling. In conclusion , nanotechnology offers the possibility of great advances where as conventional approaches at best ,offer only incremental improvements.The waves of change being propagated by progress at the nano scale will therefore be felt far and wide and nowhere more so than in construction its large economic and social presence

Introduction to
Materials
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Nano

Nano:- It is defined as a
particle with at least one dimension less than 200nm. It is quantum dots if they are small enough (typically sub ion ) such that jump in energy levels occurs.

Nano composite:- It is produced by adding nano particle to a bulk material in order to improve the bulk materials properties.

Carbon Nano Tubes (CNT)

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They are cylindrical with nanometer diameter. They can be several millimeters in length. They have 5 times the Youngs modulus and 8times the strength of steel whilst being 1/6 density of normal tubes. Thermal conductivity is also very high along the tube axis

Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is a widely used chemical. It can oxidize organic materials, and so added to paints, cements, windows tiles other products for sterilizing, deodorizing and antifouling properties. y When incorporated in outdoor building materials can substantially reduce concentration of airborne pollutants. y As TiO2 is exposed to UV light,it becomes increasing hydrophilic, thus it can be used for anti fogging coating or self-cleaning windows.
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Self cleaning glass using TiO2

Titanium dioxide is used in nanoparticle form to coat to coat glazing since it has sterilizing and anti fouling properties. y The particles catalyze powerful reactions which breakdown organic pollutants, volatile organic compounds and bacterial membranes. y Tio2 is hydrophilic and this attraction to water forms sheet out of rain drops which then wash off the dirt particles broken down in the previous process. y Glass incorporating this self cleaning technology is available on the market today.
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Self cleaning glass

Nanotechnology in steel
Fatigue is a significant issue that can lead to the structural failure of steel subject to cyclic loading. Such as in bridges or towers. y This can happen at stresses significantly lower than the yield stress of the material and lead to a significant shortening of useful life of the structure. y Stress rise are responsible for initiating cracks from which fatigue failure result and research has shown that the addition of copper then limits the number of number of stress rises and hence fatigue cracking. y Advancements in this technology would lead to increased safety ,less need for monitoring and more efficient materials use in construction prone to fatigue issues.
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 Nanocomposite steel is available & stronger (per ASTM)  Withstands temperatures as low as -140F  Increased plasticity  Free of corrosion-causing carbide paths  Results:

 reduced amount of steel  Simplified placement of structural concrete  20 to 40% savings

Temperature restriction
Above 750F, regular steel starts to lose its structural integrity, and at 1100 Fahrenheit, steel loses50% of its strength. y A new formula infuses steel with nanoscale copper particles, this formula could maintain structural integrity at temperature up to 1000 F. y The new steel allow ultra high strength to be combined with good formability, corrosion resistance and a good surface finish.
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High strength steel cables

Current research into the refinement of the cementite phase of steel to a nano size has produce stronger cables. y A stronger cable material would reduce the cost and period of construction , especially in suspended bridges. y Sustainability is also enhanced by the use of higher cable strength as this leads to more efficient use of materials. y High rise structures requires high strength joints and this in turn leads to the need for high strength bolts.
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Nanotechnology and coatings

Nanotechnology is being applied to paints and insulating properties, produced by the addition of nano-sized cells, pores and particles, giving a very limited paths for thermal conduction, are currently available. y This types of paints are use for corrosion protection under insulation since it is hydrophobic and repels water from the metal pipe and can also protect metal from salt water attack.
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Coatings & Paints

    

Nano particles enhance physical and aesthetic qualities Hard, durable finish Excellent water resistance Scrub-ability Stain blocking and other properties

Gypsum Drywall
Drywall, also known as plasterboard, wallboard or gypsum board is a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is used to make interior walls and ceilings. Nano-drywall is lighter stronger water resistant

Fire heat protection

Fire- protective glass in another in application of nanotechnology. y This is achieved by using a clear intumescing layer sandwiched between glass panels (an interlayer formed ) of fumed silica(sio2). Nanoparticles which turns into rigid and opaque fire shield when heated. y For heat protection this film coating are bearing developed which are spectrally sensitive surface application for window glass and filter out unwanted infrared frequencies of light(which heat up a room) and reduce the heat gain in buildings, however, these are effectively a passive solution. y As an active solution, thermo chromic technologies are being studied which react to temperature and provide insulation to give protection from heating whilst maintain adequate lighting .
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Aerogels
Well-known, insulating nano-substance that is translucent and 97% air         Lightweight Hydrophobic Highly translucent Thin Superb thermal / acoustic insulator Manufactured as large, rigid panels Weighs only 90 grams per litre Extremely flexible

Conclusion
In conclusion , nanotechnology offers the possibility of great advances where as conventional approaches at best, offer only incremental improvements . y at this moment the main limitation is the high cost of nanotechnology. Also concerns with the environmental effects. y the waves of change being propagated by progress at the nanoscale will therefore be felt far and wide and nowhere more so than in construction its large economic and social presence.
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