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Nanotechnology for Building Material

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International Journal of Basic and Applied Research Print ISSN - 2249-3352
Special Vol. 04 (146-151) Online ISSN-2278-0505

Nanotechnology for Building Material

P. V. Khandve

Dept.of Civil Engineering,Prof. Ram Meghe College of Engineering

and Management, Badnera-Amravati,

e-mail: khandvesir@gmail.com

Abstract : Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas with both novel science and useful
applications that has gradually established it in the past two decades. The recent researches on
nanomaterials and nanotechnologies have highlighted the potential use of these materials in various
fields such as medicine, construction, automobile industry, energy, telecommunications and
informatics. This is due to the special characteristics of materials at the nano scale. It has been
demonstrated that nanotechnology generated products have many unique characteristics, and can
significantly fix many field problems. Changes in building material properties is one of the main
beneficiaries area of these researches, with applications that will improve the characteristics of building
material such as concrete, steel, glass and insulating materials etc. Many current construction problems
and requirement of construction process can be enhanced using nanotechnology.
In this paper various practically applicable nanotechnology based products that can improve
the overall competitiveness of the construction industry are given. The areas of applying
nanotechnology in construction are mainly focusing on lighter and stronger structural composites, low
maintenance coating material, enhanced properties of cementitious materials, reducing the thermal
transfer rate of fire retardant and insulation material and other construction related nano-sensors. The
use of nanomaterials in the composition of some materials, such as cement, will result in significant
reductions of CO2 pollution and the use of performance thermal insulations will result in efficient use of
energy. Thus applications of nanotechnology in civil engineering building material industry are
numerous. Some of the applications are elaborated here.
Keywords: Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials, Construction, Building Material,

1. INTRODUCTION Nanomaterials can be defined as those

Nanotechnology is concerned with physical substances with at least one dimension
objects between 1 and 100nm in size. 1 between 1…150 nm (1 nm = 10 m). The
–9

Nanometer = 1 x 10-9m. The nanotechnologies nanomaterials properties can be very different

can be defined as the design, characterization, from the properties of the same materials at
production and application of structures, –6 –6
micro (10 m) or macro scale (10 …10 m).
–3

devices and systems by controlling shape and
size at the nanoscale. Nanotechnology requires
advanced imaging techniques for studying and
improving the material behavior and for
designing and producing very fine powders,
liquids or solids of materials with particle size
between 1 and 100 nm, known as nanoparticles
(Gogotsi, 2006).
The nanoscience represents the study of
phenomena and the manipulation of materials at
nanoscale and is an extension of common
sciences into the nanoscale. Nanotechnology is
the creation of materials and devices by
controlling of matter at the levels of atoms,
molecules, and supramolecular (nanoscale)
structures (Roco et al., 1999). In other words, it

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International Journal of Basic and Applied Research
is the use of very small particles of materials to
create new large scale materials (Mann, 2006).
Nanotechnology is the engineering of
functional systems at the molecular scale.
Nanotechnology is the use of very
small particles of material either by themselves
or by their manipulation to create new large
scale materials. Nanotechnology is not a new
science and it is not a new technology. It is rather
an extension of the sciences and technologies.
The technology enables us to develop materials
with improved properties or it can be used to
produce a totally new material. Nanotechnology
-9
deals with particle at nano-scale, i.e., 10 m. At
“nano scale” the world is different from “macro
scale”, e.g., the gravity becomes unimportant,
electrostatic forces take over and quantum
effects emerge. As particles become nano-sized,
the proportion of atoms on the surface increases
relative to those inside leads to “nano-effects”,
however, that ultimately determine all the
properties that we are familiar with at our
“macro-scale” and this is where the power of
nanotechnology comes in. Following are the
major application of nanotechnology in the field
of (i) Nano-medicine, (ii) Environment, (iii)
Energy, (iv) Nano-batteries, (v) Information and
communication, (vi) Heavy industry etc. In
recent years nanotechnology is also gaining
popularity in the field of Civil Engineering and
construction.
The paper reviews the state of the art
“application of nanotechnology for building
construction material”. The purpose of this
paper is to inform needs associated with
nanotechnology, to support and to communicate
these nanotechnology science issues to
stakeholders and the public. This paper is part of
the first stage of research to introduce and
emphasize the use of nanomaterials in
construction.
2. Material and Methodology
Nanotechnologies are worldwide
regarded as key technologies for innovations
and technological progress in almost all
branches of economy. Nano-technologies refer
to the target oriented technical utilization of
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objects and structure in a size in the range of 1
and 100nm. Applications of nano technology in
civil engineering are numerous. Some of the
a p p l i c a t i o n s a r e e l a b o r a t e d b e l o w.
Nanotechnologies are the engineered
convergence of biology, chemistry, and
informatics on a nanoscale that is, involving
materials measured in billionths of a meter. The
products of these efforts are called
nanomaterials, consisting of nanoparticles
(having one or more dimensions of 1 to 100
nanometers) and the grouping of these particles
into structures that may be larger than
nanoscale. Nanoscale materials dissolve in
different ways, take on different magnetic
properties, react differently to chemicals, or
reflect light differently from the way they would
at normal size.
The use of nanomaterials in
construction industry is restricted due to
following reasons: i) the lack of knowledge
concerning the suitable nanomaterials for
construction and their behavior; ii) the lack of
specific standards for design and execution of
the construction elements using nanomaterials;
iii) the reduced offer of nanoproducts; iv) the
lack of detailed information regarding the
nanoproducts content; v) high costs; vi) the
unknowns of health risks associated with
nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials for Building Construction
Nanotechnology can generate
products with many unique characteristics that
can improve the current construction materials:
lighter and stronger structural composites, low
maintenance coatings, better cementitious
materials, lower thermal transfer rate of fire
retardant and insulation, better sound
absorption of acoustic absorbers and better
reflectivity of glass (Lee et al., 2010). Because
the size of the particles is a critical factor, the
material properties significant differ at the
nanoscale from that at larger scales. Physical
phenomena begin to occur differently below the
boundary limit: gravity becomes unimportant,
electrostatic forces and quantum effects start to
prevail. At the same time, the proportion of
147 Khandve et al.
International Journal of Basic and Applied Research
atoms on the surface increases relative to those
inside creating so-called “nano-effect”. All
these nano-properties actually affect the
materials behavior at macro-scale and, from this
point, the power of nanotechnology is
emphasized: if the elements are proper
manipulated at the nanoscale, the macro-
properties are affected and new materials and
processes can be developed (Ge & Gao, 2008).
Some of the important nanomaterials with
potential use in construction industry are
discussed here.
Nanotechnologies for Concrete
Concrete is a macro-material strongly
influenced by its nano-properties. The addition
of nano-silica (SiO2) to cement based materials
can control the degradation of the calcium-
silicatehydrate reaction caused by calcium
leaching in water, blocking water penetration
and leading to improvements in durability
(Mann, 2006). The addition of small amounts
(1%) of carbon nanotubes can improve the
mechanical properties of mixture samples of
portland cement and water. Oxidized multi-
walled nanotubes show the best improvements
both in compressive strength and flexural
strength compared to the reference samples.
Addition of nanoscale materials into cement
could improve its performance. Use of nano-
SiO2 could significantly increase the
compressive for concrete, containing large
volume fly ash, at early age and improve pore
size distribution by filling the pores between
large fly ash and cement particles at nanoscale.
The dispersion/slurry of amorphous nanosilica
is used to improve segregation resistance for
self-compacting concrete. It has also been
reported that adding small amount of
carbonnanotube (1%) by weight could increase
both compressive and flexural strength.
Nanotechnologies for Steel
Steel is a major construction material.
Its properties, such as strength, corrosion
resistance, and weld ability, are very important
for the design and construction. It is possible to
develop new, low carbon, high performance
steel (HPS). The new steel was developed with
higher corrosion-resistance and weld ability by
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incorporating copper nanoparticles from at the
steel grain boundaries. The addition of copper
nanoparticles reduces the surface unevenness of
steel which then limits the number of stress
risers and hence fatigue cracking, leading to
increased safety, less need for monitoring and
more efficient materials use in construction
subjected to fatigue issues (Mann, 2006).
Vanadium and molybdenum nanoparticles
improve the delayed fracture problems
associated with high strength bolts, reducing the
effects of hydrogen embrittlement and
improving the steel micro-structure. The
addition of nanoparticles of magnesium and
calcium leads to an increase in weld toughness.
Nanotechnologies for Wood
Wood is composed of nanotubes or
“nanofibrils”. Lignocellulosic surfaces at the
nanoscale could open new opportunities for
such things as selfsterilizing surfaces, internal
self-repair, Highly water repellent coatings
incorporating silica and alumina nanoparticles
and hydrophobic polymers are proper to be used
for wood.
Nanotechnologies for Glass
The use of TiO2 nanoparticles to
glasses leads to so-called self cleaning
technology. Due to the nanoparticles
photocatalytic reactions, the organic pollutants,
volatile organic compounds and bacterial
membranes are decomposed. As well, TiO2
being hydrophilic, his attraction to water forms
drops which then wash off the dirt particles
decomposed in the previous process. Fire-
protective glass is obtained using fumed silica
(SiO2) nanoparticles as a clear interlayer
sandwiched between two glass panels which
turns into a rigid and opaque fire shield when is
heated.
Nanotechnologies for Coatings and Paitings
Nanotechnology is applied to paints in
order to assure the corrosion protection under
insulation since it is hydrophobic and repels
water from the metal pipe and can also protect
metal from salt water attack. Others applications
refer to coatings that have self healing
capabilities through a process of
“selfassembly”. In addition to the self-cleaning
148 Khandve et al.
International Journal of Basic and Applied Research
coatings mentioned above for glazing, the
remarkable properties of TiO2 nanoparticles are
put to use as a coating material on roadways in
tests around the world (Mann, 2006). TiO2 is
used to coat glazing because of its sterilizing and
anti fouling properties. The TiO2 will break
down and disintegrate organic dirt through
powerful catalytic reaction. Furthermore, it is
hydrophilic, which allow the water to spread
evenly over the surface and wash away dirt
previously broken down. Other special coatings
also have been developed, such as anti-fraffiti,
thermal control, energy sawing, anti-reflection
coating.
Nanotechnologies for Thermal Insulation
Micro- and nanoporous aerogel
materials are appropiate for being core materials
of vacuum insulation panels but they are
sensitive to moisture. As a possible remedy it
was produced an ultra-thin wall insulation
which uses a hydrophobic nanoporous aerogel
structure. Another application of aerogels is
silica based products for transparent insulation,
which leads to the possibility of super-
insulating windows. Micro or nano-
electomechanical systems offer the possibility
of monitoring and controlling the internal
environment of buildings and this could lead to
energy savings.
Nanotechnologies for Fire Protection
Fire resistance of steel structures is
often provided by a coating produced by a
spray-on cementitious process. Nano-cement
made of nanosized particles has the potential to
create tough, durable, high temperature
coatings. This is achieved by the mixing of
carbon nanotubes with the cementious material
to fabricate fibre composites that can inherit
some of the outstanding properties of the
nanotubes. This is achieved by the mixing of
carbon nanotubes (CNT's) with the cementious
material to fabricate fibre composites that can
inherit some of the outstanding properties of the
nanotubes such as strength. Polypropylene
fibres are also considered as a method of
increasing fire resistance and this is a cheaper
option than conentional insulation.
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Nanotechnologies for Water Purification
Wa t e r p u r i f i c a t i o n u s i n g
nanotechnology exploits nanoscopic materials
such as carbon nanotubes and alumina fibers for
nanofiltration. It also utilizes the existence of
anoscopic pores in zeolite filtration membranes,
as well as nanocatalysts and magnetic
nanoparticles. The adsorption of chlorine
concentration is much higher by using
nanotechnology as compared to conventional
method of purification. Adsorption of chlorine
by various media, such as those based on
titanium oxide nanowires or palladium
nanoparticles are used for analytical detection
of contaminants in water samples. It can be used
for removal of sediments, chemical effluents,
charged particles, bacteria and other pathogens.
It is believed that future generations of
nanotechnology-based water treatment devices
will capitalize on the properties of new
nanoscale materials.
Nanotechnology in Geotechnical field
At nanoscale the inter-particle
interaction gains relevance. Nanomaterials
possess very high specific surface activity, and
chemical activity which is specific surface
dependent. High specific surface means high
adsorption capacity and great sensitivity of
nano-size particles to specific adsorbed
materials. Pore fluid characteristics affect the
self-assembly of nano-components and their
long-term stability. Building clay liners, clay
cores, and soil bases using engineered
highsurface-area mineral particles consolidated
from controlled self assembled clay aggregates
to obtain macroscale behavior resulting from
exceptional mechanical properties (e.g., very
high ductility); external friction control to
facilitate compaction while increasing long-
term strength, fluidsensitive porous
membranes, as well as special and unique
chemical properties (e.g., specie-selective
diffusion); engineered wetting conditions such
as in NanoTurf; altered phase equilibrium for
fluids in small pores; and specified electrical
properties (e.g., exceptional magnetic and polar
properties) are the areas where nanotechnology
149 Khandve et al.
International Journal of Basic and Applied Research
supports many advantages. Nanoparticles might
also be engineered to act as functional
nanosensors and devices that can be extensively
mixed in the soil mass or used as smart tracers
for in situ chemical analysis, characterization of
groundwater flow, and determination of fracture
connectivity, among other field applications.
Nanosensors for Structural Monitoring
Sensors have been developed and used
in construction to monitor and/or control the
environment condition and the
materials/structure performance. One
advantage of these sensors is their dimension
(10 -9m to 10-5m). These sensors could be
embedded into the structure during the
construction process. Smart aggregate, a low
cost piezoceramic-based multi-functional
device, has been applied to monitor early age
concrete properties such as moisture,
temperature, relative humidity and early age
strength development. The sensors can also be
used to monitor concrete corrosion and
cracking. The smart aggregate can also be used
for structure health monitoring. The disclosed
system can monitor internal stresses, cracks and
other physical forces in the structures during the
structures' life. It is capable of providing an
early indication of the health of the structure
before a failure of the structure can occur. Nano-
sensors have a great potential to be used in
concrete structures for quality control and
durability monitoring. (to measure concrete
density and viscosity, to monitor concrete
curing and to measure shrinkage or temperature,
moisture, chlorine concentration, pH, carbon
dioxide, stresses reinforcement corrosion or
vibration). Carbon nanotubes increase the
compressive strength of cement mortar
specimens and change their electrical properties
which can be used for health monitoring and
damage detection.
3. Advantages of Nanotechnology in Building
Construction
Nanotechnology can be used for
design and construction processes in many areas
since nanotechnology generated products have
many unique characteristics. These
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characteristics can, again, significantly fix
current construction problems, and may change
the requirement and organization of
construction process. Use of nanotechonolgy in
construction material gives the products that are
for:
Lighter and stronger structural
composites Low maintenance
coatingImproving pipe joining materials and
techniques. Better properties of cementitious
materials Reducing the thermal transfer rate of
fire retardant and insulation Increasing the
sound absorption of acoustic absorber
Increasing the reflectivity of glass
4. Future Challenge
While nanotechnology based
construction products provide many advantages
to the design and construction process, the
production of these products, however, require a
lot of energy. Also, the nano-tubes might cause a
lung problem to construction workers. In other
words, it creates an environmental challenge to
the construction industry as well. Sustainability
and environmental issues caused by growing
economic development has gained intensive
statewide and worldwide attention. Since the
construction industry is heavily involved in the
economic development and consumes great
amount of resources and energy, its impact on
environment is significant. Therefore, it is
necessary and urgent to regulate the
construction and its related performance to
sustainable manners. The nanotechnolgy
becomes a double-edge sword to the
construction industry. More research and
practice efforts are needed with smart design
and planning, construction projects can be made
sustainable and therefore save energy, reduce
resource usage, and avoid damages to
environment. It is necessary to establish a
system to identify the environmentally friendly
and sustainable of construction nanomaterials
and to avoid the use of harmful materials in the
future.
5. Conclusions
Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies
have attracted considerable scientific interest
due to the new potential uses of particles in
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International Journal of Basic and Applied Research
nanometer scale and, consequently, large
amount of funds and effort have being utilized.
Even though construction materials may
constitute only a small part of this overall effort,
it could pay enormous rewards in the areas of
technological breakthroughs and economic
benefits. Although today the total market share
of nano products for construction is small and
deemed to be applied in niche markets, this
share is expected to grow in the near future, and
nanoparticles to play an important role as a basis
for the design, development and production of
materials construction industry. Following the
synthesis achieved in this paper, it can be
concluded that the use of nanomaterials in
construction is viable in four major directions of
development: structural concrete; real time
structural monitoring; coatings and paintings;
thermal insulations.
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