Nanotechnology

Group 2

Jason Hill

Ryan Long

Joye Turnage

Jonathan Ashworth

Overview

1. What is Nanotechnology?

2. Brief History/Development

3. How Nanotechnology impacts us today

4. Future applications

5. Conclusion

What is Nanotechnology?

Described as:

• The direct control of atoms and molecules for materials and devices

• Consists of the processing of separation, consolidation, and deformation of materials by one atom or molecule

History/Development

Nanometer: 1 billionth of a meter

1 millionth of a millimeter

Moore’s Law: the complexity of an integrated circuit, with respect to minimum component cost, will double every 18 months

History/Development

1974: The term Nanotechnology first coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi

1980’s: Concepts of Nanotechnology were explored in much more depth by Dr. Eric Drexler

3 Steps for Implementation

1. Manipulating atoms individually• IBM spelled on surface of a nickel crystal using atomic

force microscope

2. Develop assemblers• Moves atoms and molecules to their correct locations

3. Develop replicators• Used to build more assemblers

Nanocomposites

Used to make existing products stronger and more lightweight

• Bumpers, “step assists”, metal rubber, etc.

Impacts: • Lower vehicle weight & increased gas mileage• Fewer auto repair claims

Nanocrystals

• Up to 300% harder than the same bulk material

• Size determines color

Examples: Wound dressing that kills bacteria in 30 minutes

Nanoparticles

Examples:

• Stain resistant pants (Eddie Bauer)

• Sunscreen (UV light defender)

Impacts:• Reduced dry cleaning, more economical

sunscreen

Nanoclays and Nanocomposites

Allows for lighter weight and greater shelf-life for product packaging

Impacts:

• Reduced transportation costs

• Beer will gain 60 additional days of shelf life

Nanotechnology Today

Current Uses of Nanotechnology

• Computer Processors

• Ipod Nano

• Air purifier

• Socks

• Many more

Future Applications

• Boost cell phone or laptop battery life

• Cut gas consumption

• Improve methods for oil drilling

• Convert human movement into harnessed energy

• Endless others

Future Applications

Motorized nanocars powered by light

• Current car is only about the size of one DNA molecule (3x4 nanometers)

Future Applications

Fighting prostate cancer• Carries cancer drug

docetaxel• Studded with aptamers

to link to cancer cells• Equipped with

polyethylene glycol to resist defenses of the tumor cell

Conclusion

Nanotechnology will substantially change the manufacturing process of almost every

product in existence. Whatever happens it is likely to be the human race’s greatest scientific achievement to date and will

probably change all of our lives.