Throughout history, discoveries in basic materials have led to seismic shifts in the advancement of civilization. I doubt the first practitioners of the classic ages; Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron realized the full impact these new materials would have on mankind.   Just as our contemporaries were unable to envision the path new silicon materials would have in the present age, the Digital Age, so will go our view of the new age.

What is nanomaterial and why does it matter?

Let’s look at the geek answer and then the kitchen table answer. There are multiple means to define nanomaterial, mostly from scientific perspectives; such as, “Material with one or more external dimensions, or an internal structure, at nanoscale (less than 100nm) and which could exhibit novel characteristics compared to the same material at a larger scale.”

Why does it matter?

Again the geek response: “Two principal factors cause the properties of nanomaterials to differ significantly from other materials: increased relative surface area, and quantum effects. These factors can change or enhance properties such as reactivity, strength and electrical characteristics.”

Whoa, let’s get the kitchen table perspective.

Ever wonder what makes Grandma’s cookies taste so good?   Is it the fluffy cookie we see on the plate or the ingredients we can’t see?   Grandma’s basic materials; flour, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips are all within our field of vision and thus, understanding.  Nanomaterials are unlike chocolate chips, they are molecular particles that you can’t see and which make the new nano-dough unique and special.  Nanomaterial particles have physical properties beyond the realm of our vision; reactivity, strength and electrical characteristics.

When we eat Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies, we understand the characteristics.   As new nanomaterial recipes or “nano-dough” are being created, we will begin to see the wondrous characteristics nanomaterial ingredients can have on the finished product.

The 2010 Nobel Prize for physics went to two researchers for their efforts in manufacturing a carbon-based nanomaterial, Graphene.

Nanomaterial, especially carbon based structures like Graphene, have the potential to advance Green initiatives in ways only just now being imagined.   Creating a graphene nanomaterial recipe for lubricants, like common motor oil, can enhance heat transfer off the engine and provide added protection for moving parts.   Synthetic oils reduced the need to replace 5 quarts of fossil based engine oil from every 3,000 miles to 25,000 miles, lowering our oil imports by 35 quarts or 8 gallons per oil change cycle.   Adding graphene as a nano-ingredient has the promise to extend the oil-change cycle and improve the core lubricating and cooling benefits.   Reducing the frequency of oil changes, including synthetic oils, for 250 million vehicles in America would go a long way to lower our foreign oil imbalance and reduce our carbon footprint.

Numerous researchers, across the country, are looking to add Graphene nanomaterial to construction material mixes to create stronger, lighter, and smarter materials.   Graphene in highway concrete to provide for temperature and traffic sensing capabilities is just one example of creating smart materials that researchers are already investigating.    Imagine the wallboard in your home acting as an electronic sensor and network to transmit discreet heating and cooling information on a per wall basis?   Then, applying heat across the wallboard material itself to get a consistent temperature no matter where you are in the room.   Do you think this sounds way out there?  It might be closer than we think.   Early application of the value of the R&D discoveries of nanomaterial from laboratories to everyday products, offer existing companies a means to reinvigorate their products and gain market advantage.   Green can be good for the planet and the wallet.

Through the innovation and exploration of new untraveled paths, we have the potential to magnify the Green benefits that can be derived from nanomaterials.   Whether in lubricants, construction materials, additives, resins, paints, inks, plastics or ceramics, I’m confident new uses for these super ingredients will be developed to expand the Nano Age beyond the boundaries of their early promise.

Across the ages, the discoveries of new materials have transformed our lives.   Across every age, the full extent of the application of those discoveries organically evolved by the very use of the materials themselves.  Scientists and common practitioners found new ways to mix the materials with existing substances to create new value.

Welcome to the new age of man, the Nano Age.   Please pass the cookies.   – Bob G.

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