The 15 Ways Nanotechnology is Making Life Better Today

Tag : insoles material
Abstract:
Nanotechnology is expected to a $2.6 trillion market by 2015. Atthe heart of this big new sector is something very smallmolecules.To understand how and why nanotechnologywhich is defined as themanipulation of matter at the molecular levelmatters, you canbegin at home. 15 Ways Nanotechnology is Making Life Better Today Minneapolis, MN | Posted on June 30th, 2008
The Writing is Off-the-Wall

Behr and others are now using nanoparticles to produce anti-mildewpaints and anti-graffiti paints. Another company is perfecting anano-enhanced wall paint that blocks cellphone calls and,longer-term, researchers expect to create a nano-solar paint thatcan turn your wall and even your house into a giant solar cell.

Scratch-Free

BASF has developed a nanoceramic material that is three times moreresistant to scratching. It is already being employed on kitchentabletops and car exteriors. The company hopes to have self-healingmaterials on the market in the near future.

Wipe Away Your Worries

Pilkington's "Activ" glass uses nanoparticles of titanium dioxideto create self-cleaning windows; while Eddie Bauer, Tommy Hilfigerand Brooks Brothers all sell clothes that contain tiny"nano-whiskers" and make pants, shirts and ties resistant to stainsof every kind. Upholstery and carpet are up next.

Wrap Your Head Around This: The New Flat Will Be Round

Nanostructured polymer films are being used in next-generation OLED(organic light emitting diode) lights. The benefit is that thelights are ten times more energy-efficient than regular lightbulbsand can be wrapped around poles. Super-thin, flexible electronictelevision screens that can be curved to create a more immersiveexperience are on the drawing board.

A Germ-a-phobe's Dream

Nano-silver particles and nano-silver coatingswhich have amazinganti-bacterial propertiesare being used to control germs, mold andfungus and are now in refrigerators, air conditioners, humidifiersand food-storage containers.

Another Reason to Despise Cloudy Days

A new solar fabric embedded with nanocrystals has helped turnedtents into solar collectors. The real pay-off will come when thefabric in your clothing can help power your cellphone. The army isalready investigating this possibility and commercial products areexpected by 2010.

Get Some Skin in the Game

L'Oreal employs nanotechnology to deploy tiny capsules of Vitamin Ato the optimum level under the skin. The effect? Fresher-lookingskin and fewer wrinkles.

Less is More

Shemen Industries, a small Israel company, is deploying 30nanometer capsules of phytosterola natural ingredient that helpslower cholesterolin a variety of food products.

So Long Skunky Beer?

Miller Beer uses clay nanoparticles in its plastic beer bottles.The minute particles make it difficult for carbon dioxide moleculesto escape and help keep the beverage fresher longer.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Starkey, Inc., an Eden Prairie-based company, uses a nanotechnologyswitch in its Destiny nFusion hearing aid to deliver high qualityof sound to the user.

No Blood Money

Apollo Diamond uses a process called chemical vapor deposition togrow two-carat diamonds virtually overnight. Not only are Apollo'sdiamonds are molecular identical to natural diamonds, they lessexpensive; don't take billions of years to form; are moreenvironmentally friendly; and no one is exploited in the mining ormanufacturing process.

Nano, Nano

The iPod Nano contains flash memory chips made with componentsmeasuring less than 100 nanometers. Within a decade, continuedadvances in nanotechnology are expected to help store all of afamily's digital contentphotos, songs, videos, TV programson adevice the smaller than an iPod Nano.

Get in the Game

NanoDynamic has created a nanotech golf ball that reduces thedistance a ball hooks or slices; Easton is making a super-strong,superlight hockey stick with carbon nanotubes; and there are evennow nano-enhanced fishing rods, fishing lures, ski waxes andbowling balls on the market.

Ice-fishing Just Won't be the Same

Aspen Aerogel's "Toasty Feet" insoles employ an innovativenanomaterial designed to keep a shoe a stable 72 degrees even ifthe wearer is standing on a block of ice. The company has alsodeveloped a new building insulation material that has eight timesthe thermal insulating properties of the best material currently onthe market.

You'll Be On Your Way in No Time

A new nano-titanate material is being used in car batteries. Itreportedly allows cars to run for 300 miles on a single charge.
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About Jack Uldrich
Jack Uldrich is a renowned global futurist, independent scholar,sought-after business speaker, and best-selling author. His booksinclude the best-selling, The Next Big Thing is Really Small: HowNanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business, and theaward-winning, Into the Unknown: Leadership Lessons from Lewis &Clarks Daring Westward Expedition. His latest book is Jump theCurve: 50 Essential Strategies to Help Your Company Stay Ahead ofEmerging Technologies.

Mr. Uldrichs other written works have appeared in The Wall StreetJournal, The Futurist, Future Quarterly Research, The Wall StreetReporter, Leader to Leader, Management Quarterly, and hundreds ofother newspapers and publications around the country. He alsowrites a regular column on emerging technologies for The MotleyFool, and is a frequent guest of the media worldwidehavingappeared on CNN, MSNBC, and National Public Radio on numerousoccasions.