Nanotechnology

Answer the following questions:

1. The writer begins by saying that revolutionary nanotechlogy is still to develop. What kind of nanotechnology do we then have today?
A: - The writer begins the article by saying that revolutionary nanotechnology products, materials and applications such as Nano robotics etc. is still to develop. Nanotechnology products that we have today on the market are most gradually improved products, where some form of nanotechnology enabled material (e.g. Carbon nanotubes) or nanotechnology process (e.g. Nanopatterns or quantum dots for medical imaging) is used in the manufacturing process.

2. What are the two techniques that can be used to produce nanomaterials?
A: - Nanomaterials can be constructed by 'top-down' technique and 'bottom-up' technique.

             Top-down technique produces very small structures from large pieces of material for example by etching (cutting any material) to create circuits on the surface of a silicon microchip. Nanomaterials can also be constructed by bottom-up technique, atom by atom or molecule by molecule.

3. What are the two ways in which nanomaterials are presently being used?

A: - Currently there are two ways of using nanomaterials. They are: current applications and long term applications.

Sunscreens and cosmetics, composites, clay containing nanoparticles and tougher and harder cutting tools are considered (as) current applications. Long term applications are compatible in the next 5-15 years which can be applied in: magnetic materials, carbon nanotube composites, in medical implants, machinable ceramics, water purification, military suits, fibers and fabrics, in biomedical applications and air, water and gas filtration.

4. What properties of carbon nanotubes make them suitable for future applications and in which area?
A:- Carbonnanotube applications can be applied in Carbonnanotube composites, fibre and fabrics, carbonnanotube (CNT) ceramics, biomedical applications and the use of carbon nanotubes in composites like Carbon Black etc. are the important properties of carbon nanotubes that make them suitable for future applications.

5. How can nanotechnology be used to provide potable water, help soldiers on battlefields and patients needing surgery to repair or replace diseased organs?
A: - Nanoengineered membranes can potentially lead to more energy efficient water purification process, notably in desalination by reverse osmosis.

Enhanced nanomaterial can be used to prepare battle-suits for soldiers on battlefield. There is speculation that the short term development is likely to be energy absorbing materials that will hold blast waves. Long term are the ones that will include sensors to detect or respond to chemical and biological weapons. Though the current medical implants are biocompatible, in some cases they may wear out within the life time of the patient. While Nanocrystalline Zirconium Oxide is hard, wear-resistant and biocompatible for replacing diseased organs.