3. DEFINITION
The branch of technology that deals with
dimensions and tolerances of less than 100
nanometres, especially the manipulation of
individual atoms and molecules.
5. History of nanotechnology
2000 years ago : sulfide nano crystals used by Greek and Romans to dye hair
1000 years ago : Gold nano particles of different size used to produce different
colors in stained glass windows
1974 : Taniguchi uses the term nanotechnology for the first time
1981 : IBM develops scanning Tunneling Microscope
1985 : “Buckyball” – Scientists at Rice University and University of
Sussex discover C60
1991 : Carbon nanotubes discovered by S.Lijima
7. Medicine
One application of nanotechnology in medicine
currently being developed involves employing
nanoparticles to deliver drugs, heat, light or other
substances to specific types of cells (such as cancer
cells). Particles are engineered so that they are
attracted to diseased cells, which allows direct
treatment of those cells. This technique reduces
damage to healthy cells in the body and allows for
earlier detection of disease.
8. Electronics
Nanoelectronics holds some answers for how we might
increase the capabilities of electronics devices while we
reduce their weight and power consumption.
Improving display screens on electronics devices. This
involves reducing power consumption while decreasing the
weight and thickness of the screens.
Increasing the density of memory chips. Researchers are
developing a type of memory chip with a projected density
of one terabyte of memory per square inch or greater.
Reducing the size of transistors used in integrated circuits.
One researcher believes it may be possible to "put the
power of all of today's present computers in the palm of
your hand".
9. Food
Nanotechnology is having an impact on several aspects
of food science, from how food is grown to how it is
packaged. Companies are developing nanomaterials
that will make a difference not only in the taste of
food, but also in food safety, and the health benefits
that food delivers.
10. Space
Nanotechnology may hold the key to making space-
flight more practical. Advancements in nanomaterials
make lightweight spacecraft and a cable for the space
elevator possible. By significantly reducing the amount
of rocket fuel required, these advances could lower the
cost of reaching orbit and traveling in space.
11. Water cleaner
Nanotechnology is being used to develop solutions to
three very different problems in water quality. One
challenge is the removal of industrial wastes, such as a
cleaning solvent called TCE, from groundwater.
Nanoparticles can be used to convert the
contaminating chemical through a chemical reaction
to make it harmless.
12. Fabrics
Making composite fabric with nano-sized particles or
fibers allows improvement of fabric properties without
a significant increase in weight, thickness, or stiffness
as might have been the case with previously-
used techniques.
13.
14. Conclusion
Nanotechnology offers the ability to build large
numbers of product that are incredibly powerful
Nanotechnology is heavily intertwined with
biotechnology and information technology, making its
scope very wide
The nanotechnology industry is mainly used to create
new world