APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY:

Gaining molecular-level control over the structure of matter will bring a wide variety of positive applications. Although nanotechnology is in the "pre-competitive" stage (meaning its applied use is limited) then to it has various applications such as: Nanoparticles are being used in a number of industries. Nanoscale materials are used in electronic, magnetic and optoelectronic, biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, energy, catalytic and materials applications. Areas producing the greatest revenue for nanoparticles reportedly are chemical-mechanical polishing, magnetic recording tapes, sunscreens, automotive catalyst supports, biolabeling, electroconductive coatings and optical fibers.

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AREAS WHERE NANOTECHNOLOGY HAS ALREADY BEEN APPLIED:



· Sunscreens are utilizing nanoparticles that are extremely effective at absorbing light, especially in the ultra-violet (UV) range. Due to the particle size, they spread more easily, cover better, and save money since you use less. And they are transparent, unlike traditional screens which are white. These sunscreens are so successful that by 2001 they had captured 60% of the Australian sunscreen market.

· Today most computer hard drives contain Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) heads that, through Nano-thin layers of magnetic materials, allow for an order of magnitude increase in storage capacity. Other electronic applications include non-volatile magnetic memory, automotive sensors, landmine detectors and solid-state compasses.

· Nanomaterials, which can be purchased in dry powder form or in liquid dispersions, often are combined with other materials today to improve product functionality.

· Nanomedicine may be defined as the monitoring, repair, construction and control of human biological systems at the molecular level, using engineered nanodevices and nanostructures.

· Nature leads the way: The leaves of certain plants and the wings of insects always stay clean because dirt and water cannot adhere to their structured surface. In the same manner Self-cleaning principle on Nano textile are used such as Water, stains and other substances such as ketchup, honey, oil, red wine or blood simply run off the nano-surface.

· Using aluminum Nanoparticles, Argonide has created rocket propellants that burn at double the rate. They also produce copper Nanoparticles that are incorporated into automotive lubricant to reduce engine wear.

· To purify the indoor environment. The NanoBreeze™ Room Air Purifier uses patented photocatalytic nanotechnology to clean and purify indoor air. Technology consists Titanium dioxide (TiO2) crystals, only 40 nanometers in size, form a molecular machine powered by light. TiO2 is a semiconductor charged by ultraviolet photons. When these nanoparticles are charged, powerful oxidizing agents called hydroxyl radicals are produced. These free radicals destroy airborne germs and pollutants that circulate over the surface of the patented light tube inside the NanoBreeze™ Air Purifiers.

· Military equipment including clothing, armour, weapons, and personal communications will, thanks to low cost but powerful sensing and processing, be able to optimize their characteristics, operation and performance to meet changing conditions automatically.

· Step assists on vans.

· Bumpers on cars.

· Paints and coatings to protect against corrosion, scratches and radiation.

· Protective and glare-reducing coatings for eyeglasses and cars.

· Metal-cutting tools.

· Sunscreens and cosmetics.

· Longer-lasting tennis balls.

· Light-weight, stronger tennis racquets.

· Stain-free clothing and mattresses.

· Dental-bonding agent.

· Burn and wound dressings.

· Ink.

· Automobile catalytic converters.