While nanotech continues to build steam as a prominent factor in manufacturing everything from cosmetics to technology solutions for the government, a particularly notable area of growth in the development and use of nanocompositesis theconstruction industry. Insulating coatings developed with nanotechnology are helping to decrease incidences of corrosion, mold, and rust in new and restored construction. These products are helping as well to decrease energy costs and improve structural safety. Nanocoating may be incorporated into a painting medium or applied as an additive to provide exceptional protection against the elements for many types of structures and their components.
Paint Plus
Paint can be a very effective medium for applying a protective and insulating layer to an exterior of a structure. The development of a water-based, low VOC paint as a nanocomposite creates a coating system with low thermal conductivity. This type of material may be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on, just as any other paint. Its thermal qualities are effective in all seasons and climates, helping to keep a building warmer in winter, and cooler in summer. Energy savings may 50% or higher. In addition, the composite resists corrosion, mold, and rust, looks cleaner, and can be considerably longer lasting than traditional paint.
True Colors
Nanocoating may boost paint’s visual impact in addition to increasing paint’s performance as a protective shield. In a nano-enabled product, some wavelengths of reflected light constructively interfere with one another and are thereby boosted, while other wavelengths destructively interfere and are absorbed. This action can result in dramatic shifts in color and brilliant intensity.
Strain Paint
Advancements in nanotech have led to the development of a coating that can actually detect areas of a structure deformed by tension, or environmental strain. A building that has been compromised by some pressure or shift, such as an earthquake, will not always reveal to the naked eye the full extent of the damage. Strain paint can indicate where there might be a fracture or fissure that might ordinarily go unnoticed. Damage is seen through the use of a handheld infrared spectrometer. This is a product that has applications in housing and building construction, bridge maintenance, and airplane safety.
Explosion and Fire Resistance
While there have been products available for years that provide some protection from either fire or explosion, few materials provide both a once. Nanotechnology has been used to develop a material that can make surfaces more resistant to ballistics and fire damage. It is sprayed on in layers, and the level of protection largely depends on how thickly the material is applied. A thinner layer might be applied for fireproofing, while a thicker layer would be necessary for blast resistance. Application generally requires a minimal of surface preparation.This technology could be beneficial for any surfaces that have a high risk of exposure to explosion, such as the exteriors of submarines or vehicles used in military operations or protective services.
Nanocoatings are developed in the way that much nanotech is created. By working with material in its smallest state and building up, the microscopic manipulation of carbon nanotubes is helping to solve the big challenges that arise in today’s building and engineering industries.