Small But Mighty: Applications Of Nanotechnology in industry

Nanotechnology is often known only as a major aid to the health sector and electronics-related fields. However, thanks to the compact design that comes with high versatility, more and more industrial manufacturers are interested in applying this type of technology to their factories. Here are some industries that promise to achieve success with nanotechnology in the near future:

1. Pharmaceutical industry By using a nanoscale system, drugs can be more effectively separated in the human body and perform more goals. Nano pharmaceuticals combine chemicals and micro devices that can help doctors quickly find a drug that is more suitable for patients through the ability of nanoparticles to overcome the biological barriers within the body. This is what traditional medicines cannot do. Future uses could include treatments for various illnesses like Alzheimers, Cancer, and Diabetes, as well as addressing antimicrobial resistance and nano-engineered tissue.

2) Steel industry ArcelorMital produced nanoparticle embedded steel that allows it to make lighter, thinner, but stronger beams and plates. MesoCoat has developed a nanocomposite coating called CermaClad for pipes in the oil industry to provide resistance to corrosion. The coating can be applied at a lower temperature and faster speed than conventional methods, leading to reduced cost and cheaper pipes.

3) Energy industry One of the main applications of nanotechnology in the energy industry is the production of solar batteries. In nano-solar cells, microparticles are combined with materials to form many different molecular structures, creating optimal conditions for high energy absorption.

4) Electronics and telecommunications industry This is the manufacturing industry that benefits the most from nanotechnology. When it comes to this industry, it is impossible not to mention the equipment for processing information with very small sizes but becoming faster, stronger and meeting the demand for larger data. The Nanochip has been changing day by day. In 2014, the Intel launched the first 14nm processor for thin, fanless PCs. The Core M chip was 50 percent smaller and 30 percent thinner than its predecessor, and further plans were quickly unveiled for a 10nm version. Then, in 2015, a consortium led by Intel’s competitor IBM revealed a 7nm test chip. The chip is the result of a five year long, $3bn research project. In other words, thanks to nanotech, Moore’s Law lives on.

5) Packaging industry Nanotechnology is helping to solve the global issue of food waste by making food and food packaging more durable and resistant to bacteria. If food lasts longer, less will be thrown away by consumers or rejected by supermarkets. A typical nanocomposite material mixed with clay is currently used to produce cartons and packaging films. Food placed in these packages will be isolated from the oxygen carbon dioxide gas. On the other hand, containers of silver nanoparticles have good antibacterial properties as well as helping manufacturers to easily detect more polluting sources.

Along with the continuous development of science and technology, nanotechnology is promised to become more and more popular and reach the needs of many industries.

Productivity and Quality Office