When we talk about nanotechnology, we go to sophisticated laboratories, otherworldly robots and things out of our reach, but it is not always like that, there are many things that we use in our daily lives that use nanotechnology, that manipulate and move atoms to create new things.
To learn more about this sector it is important to become familiar with the concept of Nanocoating, nanoscale thin films that are applied to surfaces to create or improve the functionalities of a material, such as protection against corrosion, water and ice, reduction of friction, antifouling and antibacterial properties, self-cleaning, heat and radiation resistance, and thermal management.
In this list we show you, you have a list of products that use in one way or another nanotechnology, which helps to understand the usefulness of it:
Sunscreens: We can increase the effectiveness of sunscreens with nanoparticles, mainly titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These small particles block UV radiation and allow the cream not to be as thick and dark as the ones used in the past.
Tennis balls: something as “dumb” as a tennis ball can use nanotechnology to keep your boat going longer. Normal” balls can lose their characteristics after several strokes. Nanotechnology is also used to make rackets more resistant.
Sauces: If there is still a lot of tomato sauce left in the bottle, it is because it does not use nano-coatings, a special substance that does not leave any residue. As it is so expensive to apply, it is not worth putting it in ketchup, but it can be used in other more complex products.
Clothing: Silica nanoparticles are used to create more liquid-resistant fabrics. It is possible to add it to spray fabrics, for example, and this causes small drops to be generated on waterproof clothing when it gets wet.
Furniture: We can upholster furniture with substances generated by nanotechnology, making it more resistant to fire. With carbon nanofibres in sofas, for example, it is possible to reduce flammability by up to 35 percent.
Adhesives: High temperatures make adhesives less effective, something that can be avoided with nanotechnology that can make them not only resistant to high temperatures, but also stronger as they heat up (extremely practical in the motor industry).
Coatings for car paint: There is a coating created with nanotechnology, created by the company Nanorepel, which makes cars better protected against bird droppings. The same company makes coating for interior upholstery.
Detection of food-borne diseases: Nanotechnology offers the opportunity to use sensors for isolation and detection of E. coli and other pathogens. Detection techniques enabled by nanotechnology include luminescence detection using quantum dots, enhanced fluorescence, dyeing of immobilized nanoparticles and much more.
Computers: Logically, Intel’s 10 nanometer chips, to give one example, are a clear example of what we can do with nanotechnology. The computers and gadgets around us are the best example of how this technology is used in our daily lives.