Nanotechnology Innovations for the Sustainable Buildings of the Future
Sustainability, being the urgent issue of our time, is
closely related with the innovations in technology. Nanotechnology
(NT), although not a new science, can be regarded relatively a new
science for buildings with brand new materials and applications. This
paper tends to give a research review of current and near future
applications of nanotechnology (NT) for achieving high-performance
and healthy buildings for a sustainable future. In the introduction, the
driving forces for the sustainability of construction industry are
explained. Then, the term NT is defined, and significance of
innovations in NT for a sustainable construction industry is revealed.
After presenting the application areas of NT and nanomaterials for
buildings with a number of cases, challenges in the adoption of this
technology are put forward, and finally the impacts of nanoparticles
and nanomaterials on human health and environment are discussed.
[1] A. Sev, Sürdürülebilir Mimarlık, Istanbul: YEM Yayın, 2009.
[2] P. Smith, Architecture in a Climate of Change: A Guide to Sustainable
Design, Oxford: Architectural Press, 2005.
[3] United Nations Environmental Programme, "Buildings and Climate
Change”, available online: http://www.unep.org/Documents.
Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=502&ArticleID=5545&l=en,
2007, Accessed on Apr 2014.
[4] M. Zimmermann, H. J., Althaus, A. Haas, "Benchmarks for sustainable
construction: A contribution to develop a standard”, Energy and
Buildings 37(11), 2005, pp. 1147–1157.
[5] European Union Regulation (EC) No. 761/2001 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2001 allowing voluntary
participation by organizations in a community eco-management and
audit scheme (EMAS), 2001, available online: http://ew.eea.europa.eu/
ManagementConcepts/EMAS/emas_en.pdf Accessed on May 2014.
[6] C. Kibert, Sustainable Consttruction: Green Building Design and
Delivery, New York: Wiley Inc, 2008.
[7] J. J., Kim, B., Rigdon, Sustainable Architecture Module: Qualities, Use
and Examples of Sustainable Building Materials, J. Graves (ed.).
National Pollution Prevention Center for Higher Education, Michigan:
University of Michigan, 1998.
[8] P. R., Feynmann, "There’s plenty of room at the bottom” (reprint from
the speech given at the annual meeting of the West Coast section of the
American Physical Society), Engineering Science, 23, 1960, pp. 22-36.
[9] Drexler K. "Molecular engineering: an approach to the development of
general capabilities for molecular manipulation” Proceedings of
National Academy of Science, 1981, 78, 1981, pp. 5275-5278.
[10] F. Pacheco-Torgal, S. Jalali, S., "Nanotechnology: Advantages and
drawbacks in the field of construction and building materials”,
Construction and Building Materials, 25, 2011, pp. 582-590.
[11] X. Li, W. Chang, Y. Chao, R. Wang, M. Chang "Nanoscale structural
and mechanical characterization of a natural nanocomposite material:
the shell of red abalone”, Nano Letters , 4 (4), 2004, pp. 613–617.
[12] M. Meyers, C. Lim, B. Nizam, E. Tan, Y. Seki, J. McKittrick, "The role
of organic intertile layer in abalone nacre”. Material Science
Engineering, C29, 2009, pp. 2398–2410.
[13] A. K. Rana, S. B. Rana, A. Kumari, V. Kiran, V., "Significane of
Nanotechnology in Construction Engineering’, International Journal of
Recent Trends in Engineering, 1(4), 2007, pp. 46-48.
[14] F. Sanchez, K. Sobolev, K., "Nanotechnology in Concrete – A Review”,
Construction and Materials, 24, 2010, pp. 2060-2071.
[15] K. E. Drexler, C. Peterson, G. Pergamit, Unbounding the Future: The
Nanotechnology Revolution. New York: William Morrow, 1991.
[16] P. J. M. Bartos, "Nanotechnology in construction: a roadmap for
development”, In Z. Bittnar, P. J. M. Bartos, J. Nemecek, V. Smilauer, J.
Zeman (eds.), Nanotechnology in Construction: Proceedings of the
NICOM3 (3rd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in
Construction), Prague, 2009, pp. 15–26.
[17] W. Zhu, P. Bartos, A. Porro, "Application of nanotechnology in
construction”, Materials and Structures, 37 (9), 2004, pp. 649–658.
[18] J. Saurav, "Application of nanotechnology in building materials”,
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 2 (5),
2012, 1077-1082.
[19] Z. Ge, Z. Gao, "Applications of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in
construction”, In 2008 Proceedings of First International Conference on
Construction in Developing Countries, August 4-5 2008, Karachi, pp.
235-240.
[20] S. Mann, Nanotechnology and Construction. Nanoforum (Report, May
30, 2006.
[21] G. Y. Li, "Properties of high-volume fly ash concrete: (Incorporating
nano-SiO2”, Cement and Concrete Research, 34 (6), 2004, pp. 1043–
1049.
[22] K. Sobolev, M. F., Gutierrez, "How nanotechnology can (change the
concrete world”, American Ceramic Society Bulletin, (84 (11), 2005, pp.
16–20.
[23] G. Elvin, Nanotechnology for Green Building, Green Technology
Forum, 2007, available online: http://esonn.fr/esonn2010/xlectures/
mangematin/Nano_Green_Building55ex.pdf Accessed May 2014.
[24] G. Armando, D. R. Bernal, "High strength micro/nano fine cement,” 2nd
International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction, Bilbao,
Spain, November 13-16, 2005, pp. 285-292
[25] Vanderbilt University, "Vanderbilt engineering receives National
Science Foundation ‘CAREER’ Award for nano-fiber concrete
research,” press release, 12-7-(2005, available online:
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/news/ Accessed on April 2014.
[26] J. E. loeppel, "Mimicking biological systems, composite material heals
itself,” press release, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
available online: http://www.news.uiuc.edu/scitips/01/0214selfheal.html
(Accessed on April 2014).
[27] A. Porro, J. Dolado, I. Campillo, E. Erkizia, Y. De Miguel, Y. De
Ybarra, "Effects of nanosilica additions on cement pastes”, In 2005
Proceedings of the International Conference on Applications of
Nanotechnology in Concrete Design, 2005, pp. 87– 96.
[28] D. Lin, K. Lin, W. Chan, H. Luo, M. Cai, "Improvements of nano-SiO2
on sludge/fly ash mortar”, Waste Management, 28, 2008, pp. 1081–
1087.
[29] S. Anitei, "Ancient Damascus Swords, Product of Nanotechnology,”
Softpedia.com, November 18, 2006, available on:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Damascus-Swords-Product-of
Nanotechnology-40503.shtml Accessed on April 2014.
[30] MMFX Technologies Corporation, "Proprietary Patented
Nanotechnology”, 2005, available online: http://www.mmfxsteel.com/
index.shtml Accessed on April 2014.
[31] T. H. Wegner, J. E. Winandy, M. A. Ritter, "Nanotechnolgy
opportunities in residential and non-residential construction”, 2nd
International Symposium on Nanotechnolgy in Construction, 13-16
November 2005, Bilbao, CD-ROM.
[32] T. Wegner, "Nanotechnology for the Forest Products Industry,” US
Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, January 27,
2007.
[33] Carmody, J., Selkowitz, S., Lee, S. e., Arasteh, D., Willmert, T., Window
Systems for High-Performance Buildings, W. W. Norton & Company,
New York, 2004.
[34] Fiberline Composites, "Plastic Composites,”
http://www.fiberline.com/gb/home/index.asp
[35] Cientifica, "Nanotech: Cleantech - Quantifying The Effect of
Nanotechnologies on CO2 Emissions,” 2007, available online:
http://www.cientifica.eu/ Accessed on May 2014.
[36] Suzutora Co., "Blockage of Ultraviolet Rays and Heat Insulation,” 2004,
available online: http://www.suzutora.co.jp/MASA/MASA_ENG/
ex03.html Accessed on May 2014.
[37] D. J. Palmer, "Carpet of nanorods makes for low-index films,” Materials
Today, 10 (5), 2007, p. 15.
[38] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "The Inside Story: A Guide to
Indoor Air Quality,” Washington: EPA, 1988, available online:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html (Accessed on May 2014).
[39] Risø National laboratory, "NanoByg: A survey of nanoinnovation in
Danish construction”, available online: http://www.risoe.dk/rispubl/
reports/ris-r-1602.pdf Accessed on May 2014.
[40] M. Inman, "Bug-pooping surfaces promise clean surfaces”,
NewScientist.com, 22 August 2007, available online:
http://www.newscientist.com (Accessed on May 2014).
[41] Innovalight Inc., 2007, available online: http://www.innovalight.com/
[42] B. Walsh, "Environmentally Beneficial Nanotechnologies”, Food and
Rural Affairs, May 2007, available online: www.defra.gov.uk/
environment/nanotech/policy/pdf/envbeneficial-report.pdf Accessed on
May 2014.
[43] A. Norris, M. Saafi, P. Romine, 2008. "Temperature and moisture
monitoring in concrete structures using embedded nanotechnology/
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors”, Construction and
Building Materials, 22 (2008), pp. 111-120.
[44] G. Song, H. Gu, Y. Mo, "Smart aggregates: Multi-functional sensors for
concrete structures—a tutorial and a review”, Smart Materials and
Structures, 17 (3), 2008, 033001.
[45] S. G. Prolongo, M. R. Gude, A. Ureña, "Nanoreinforced Adhesives”, in
Nanofibers, A. Kumar (Ed.), 2010, available online:
http://www.intechopen.com/books/nanofibers/nanoreinforced-adhesives
Accessed on April 2014.
[46] M. Saafi, P. Romine, "Nano- and Microtechnology”, Concrete
International, 27 (12), 2005, pp. 28-34.
[47] M.R. Weisner, G. V., Lowry, P. Alvarez, D. Dionysiou, P. Bisnas,
"Assessing the risk of manufactured nanomaterials”, Environmental
Science and Technology, 40 (14), 2006, pp. 4336-4345.
[48] V. O. Grassian, P. Shaughnessy, A. Adamcakova-Dodd, J. Pettibone, P.
Thorne, "Inhalation exposure study of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
with a primary particle size of 2–5 nm”, Environmental Health
Perspective, 115, 2007, pp. 397–402.
[49] J. Lee, S. Mahendra, P. J. J. Alvarez, "Potential environmental and
human health impacts of nanomaterials used in construction industry”,
In Z. Bittnar, P. J. M. Bartos, J. Nemecek, V. Smilauer, J. Zeman (eds.),
Nanotechnology in Construction: Proceedings of the NICOM3 (3rd
International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction), Prague,
2009, pp. 1-14.
[50] M. Hallock, P. Greenley, L. Diberardinis, D. Kallin, "Potential risks of
nanomaterials and how to safe handle materials of uncertain toxicity”,
Journal of Chemical Health and Safety, 16 (1), 2009, pp. 16-23.
[51] N. Singh, B. Manshian, G. Jenkins, S. Griffiths, P. Williams, T. Maffeis,
"NanoGenotoxicology: the DNA damaging potential of engineered
nanomaterials”, Biomaterials, 30 (23-24), 2009, pp. 3891–3914.
[52] A. Dhawan, V. Sharma, D. Parmar, "Nanomaterials: a challenge for
toxicologists”, Nanotoxicology, 3 (1), 2009, pp. 1–9.
[53] G. Bystrzejewska-Piotrowska, J. Golimowski, P. Urban, "Nanoparticles:
their potential toxicity, waste and environmental management”, Waste
Management, 29 (9), 2009, pp. 2587–2595.
[1] A. Sev, Sürdürülebilir Mimarlık, Istanbul: YEM Yayın, 2009.
[2] P. Smith, Architecture in a Climate of Change: A Guide to Sustainable
Design, Oxford: Architectural Press, 2005.
[3] United Nations Environmental Programme, "Buildings and Climate
Change”, available online: http://www.unep.org/Documents.
Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=502&ArticleID=5545&l=en,
2007, Accessed on Apr 2014.
[4] M. Zimmermann, H. J., Althaus, A. Haas, "Benchmarks for sustainable
construction: A contribution to develop a standard”, Energy and
Buildings 37(11), 2005, pp. 1147–1157.
[5] European Union Regulation (EC) No. 761/2001 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2001 allowing voluntary
participation by organizations in a community eco-management and
audit scheme (EMAS), 2001, available online: http://ew.eea.europa.eu/
ManagementConcepts/EMAS/emas_en.pdf Accessed on May 2014.
[6] C. Kibert, Sustainable Consttruction: Green Building Design and
Delivery, New York: Wiley Inc, 2008.
[7] J. J., Kim, B., Rigdon, Sustainable Architecture Module: Qualities, Use
and Examples of Sustainable Building Materials, J. Graves (ed.).
National Pollution Prevention Center for Higher Education, Michigan:
University of Michigan, 1998.
[8] P. R., Feynmann, "There’s plenty of room at the bottom” (reprint from
the speech given at the annual meeting of the West Coast section of the
American Physical Society), Engineering Science, 23, 1960, pp. 22-36.
[9] Drexler K. "Molecular engineering: an approach to the development of
general capabilities for molecular manipulation” Proceedings of
National Academy of Science, 1981, 78, 1981, pp. 5275-5278.
[10] F. Pacheco-Torgal, S. Jalali, S., "Nanotechnology: Advantages and
drawbacks in the field of construction and building materials”,
Construction and Building Materials, 25, 2011, pp. 582-590.
[11] X. Li, W. Chang, Y. Chao, R. Wang, M. Chang "Nanoscale structural
and mechanical characterization of a natural nanocomposite material:
the shell of red abalone”, Nano Letters , 4 (4), 2004, pp. 613–617.
[12] M. Meyers, C. Lim, B. Nizam, E. Tan, Y. Seki, J. McKittrick, "The role
of organic intertile layer in abalone nacre”. Material Science
Engineering, C29, 2009, pp. 2398–2410.
[13] A. K. Rana, S. B. Rana, A. Kumari, V. Kiran, V., "Significane of
Nanotechnology in Construction Engineering’, International Journal of
Recent Trends in Engineering, 1(4), 2007, pp. 46-48.
[14] F. Sanchez, K. Sobolev, K., "Nanotechnology in Concrete – A Review”,
Construction and Materials, 24, 2010, pp. 2060-2071.
[15] K. E. Drexler, C. Peterson, G. Pergamit, Unbounding the Future: The
Nanotechnology Revolution. New York: William Morrow, 1991.
[16] P. J. M. Bartos, "Nanotechnology in construction: a roadmap for
development”, In Z. Bittnar, P. J. M. Bartos, J. Nemecek, V. Smilauer, J.
Zeman (eds.), Nanotechnology in Construction: Proceedings of the
NICOM3 (3rd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in
Construction), Prague, 2009, pp. 15–26.
[17] W. Zhu, P. Bartos, A. Porro, "Application of nanotechnology in
construction”, Materials and Structures, 37 (9), 2004, pp. 649–658.
[18] J. Saurav, "Application of nanotechnology in building materials”,
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications, 2 (5),
2012, 1077-1082.
[19] Z. Ge, Z. Gao, "Applications of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in
construction”, In 2008 Proceedings of First International Conference on
Construction in Developing Countries, August 4-5 2008, Karachi, pp.
235-240.
[20] S. Mann, Nanotechnology and Construction. Nanoforum (Report, May
30, 2006.
[21] G. Y. Li, "Properties of high-volume fly ash concrete: (Incorporating
nano-SiO2”, Cement and Concrete Research, 34 (6), 2004, pp. 1043–
1049.
[22] K. Sobolev, M. F., Gutierrez, "How nanotechnology can (change the
concrete world”, American Ceramic Society Bulletin, (84 (11), 2005, pp.
16–20.
[23] G. Elvin, Nanotechnology for Green Building, Green Technology
Forum, 2007, available online: http://esonn.fr/esonn2010/xlectures/
mangematin/Nano_Green_Building55ex.pdf Accessed May 2014.
[24] G. Armando, D. R. Bernal, "High strength micro/nano fine cement,” 2nd
International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction, Bilbao,
Spain, November 13-16, 2005, pp. 285-292
[25] Vanderbilt University, "Vanderbilt engineering receives National
Science Foundation ‘CAREER’ Award for nano-fiber concrete
research,” press release, 12-7-(2005, available online:
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/news/ Accessed on April 2014.
[26] J. E. loeppel, "Mimicking biological systems, composite material heals
itself,” press release, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
available online: http://www.news.uiuc.edu/scitips/01/0214selfheal.html
(Accessed on April 2014).
[27] A. Porro, J. Dolado, I. Campillo, E. Erkizia, Y. De Miguel, Y. De
Ybarra, "Effects of nanosilica additions on cement pastes”, In 2005
Proceedings of the International Conference on Applications of
Nanotechnology in Concrete Design, 2005, pp. 87– 96.
[28] D. Lin, K. Lin, W. Chan, H. Luo, M. Cai, "Improvements of nano-SiO2
on sludge/fly ash mortar”, Waste Management, 28, 2008, pp. 1081–
1087.
[29] S. Anitei, "Ancient Damascus Swords, Product of Nanotechnology,”
Softpedia.com, November 18, 2006, available on:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Damascus-Swords-Product-of
Nanotechnology-40503.shtml Accessed on April 2014.
[30] MMFX Technologies Corporation, "Proprietary Patented
Nanotechnology”, 2005, available online: http://www.mmfxsteel.com/
index.shtml Accessed on April 2014.
[31] T. H. Wegner, J. E. Winandy, M. A. Ritter, "Nanotechnolgy
opportunities in residential and non-residential construction”, 2nd
International Symposium on Nanotechnolgy in Construction, 13-16
November 2005, Bilbao, CD-ROM.
[32] T. Wegner, "Nanotechnology for the Forest Products Industry,” US
Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, January 27,
2007.
[33] Carmody, J., Selkowitz, S., Lee, S. e., Arasteh, D., Willmert, T., Window
Systems for High-Performance Buildings, W. W. Norton & Company,
New York, 2004.
[34] Fiberline Composites, "Plastic Composites,”
http://www.fiberline.com/gb/home/index.asp
[35] Cientifica, "Nanotech: Cleantech - Quantifying The Effect of
Nanotechnologies on CO2 Emissions,” 2007, available online:
http://www.cientifica.eu/ Accessed on May 2014.
[36] Suzutora Co., "Blockage of Ultraviolet Rays and Heat Insulation,” 2004,
available online: http://www.suzutora.co.jp/MASA/MASA_ENG/
ex03.html Accessed on May 2014.
[37] D. J. Palmer, "Carpet of nanorods makes for low-index films,” Materials
Today, 10 (5), 2007, p. 15.
[38] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "The Inside Story: A Guide to
Indoor Air Quality,” Washington: EPA, 1988, available online:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html (Accessed on May 2014).
[39] Risø National laboratory, "NanoByg: A survey of nanoinnovation in
Danish construction”, available online: http://www.risoe.dk/rispubl/
reports/ris-r-1602.pdf Accessed on May 2014.
[40] M. Inman, "Bug-pooping surfaces promise clean surfaces”,
NewScientist.com, 22 August 2007, available online:
http://www.newscientist.com (Accessed on May 2014).
[41] Innovalight Inc., 2007, available online: http://www.innovalight.com/
[42] B. Walsh, "Environmentally Beneficial Nanotechnologies”, Food and
Rural Affairs, May 2007, available online: www.defra.gov.uk/
environment/nanotech/policy/pdf/envbeneficial-report.pdf Accessed on
May 2014.
[43] A. Norris, M. Saafi, P. Romine, 2008. "Temperature and moisture
monitoring in concrete structures using embedded nanotechnology/
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors”, Construction and
Building Materials, 22 (2008), pp. 111-120.
[44] G. Song, H. Gu, Y. Mo, "Smart aggregates: Multi-functional sensors for
concrete structures—a tutorial and a review”, Smart Materials and
Structures, 17 (3), 2008, 033001.
[45] S. G. Prolongo, M. R. Gude, A. Ureña, "Nanoreinforced Adhesives”, in
Nanofibers, A. Kumar (Ed.), 2010, available online:
http://www.intechopen.com/books/nanofibers/nanoreinforced-adhesives
Accessed on April 2014.
[46] M. Saafi, P. Romine, "Nano- and Microtechnology”, Concrete
International, 27 (12), 2005, pp. 28-34.
[47] M.R. Weisner, G. V., Lowry, P. Alvarez, D. Dionysiou, P. Bisnas,
"Assessing the risk of manufactured nanomaterials”, Environmental
Science and Technology, 40 (14), 2006, pp. 4336-4345.
[48] V. O. Grassian, P. Shaughnessy, A. Adamcakova-Dodd, J. Pettibone, P.
Thorne, "Inhalation exposure study of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
with a primary particle size of 2–5 nm”, Environmental Health
Perspective, 115, 2007, pp. 397–402.
[49] J. Lee, S. Mahendra, P. J. J. Alvarez, "Potential environmental and
human health impacts of nanomaterials used in construction industry”,
In Z. Bittnar, P. J. M. Bartos, J. Nemecek, V. Smilauer, J. Zeman (eds.),
Nanotechnology in Construction: Proceedings of the NICOM3 (3rd
International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction), Prague,
2009, pp. 1-14.
[50] M. Hallock, P. Greenley, L. Diberardinis, D. Kallin, "Potential risks of
nanomaterials and how to safe handle materials of uncertain toxicity”,
Journal of Chemical Health and Safety, 16 (1), 2009, pp. 16-23.
[51] N. Singh, B. Manshian, G. Jenkins, S. Griffiths, P. Williams, T. Maffeis,
"NanoGenotoxicology: the DNA damaging potential of engineered
nanomaterials”, Biomaterials, 30 (23-24), 2009, pp. 3891–3914.
[52] A. Dhawan, V. Sharma, D. Parmar, "Nanomaterials: a challenge for
toxicologists”, Nanotoxicology, 3 (1), 2009, pp. 1–9.
[53] G. Bystrzejewska-Piotrowska, J. Golimowski, P. Urban, "Nanoparticles:
their potential toxicity, waste and environmental management”, Waste
Management, 29 (9), 2009, pp. 2587–2595.
@article{"International Journal of Architectural, Civil and Construction Sciences:67920", author = "Aysin Sev and Meltem Ezel", title = "Nanotechnology Innovations for the Sustainable Buildings of the Future", abstract = "Sustainability, being the urgent issue of our time, is
closely related with the innovations in technology. Nanotechnology
(NT), although not a new science, can be regarded relatively a new
science for buildings with brand new materials and applications. This
paper tends to give a research review of current and near future
applications of nanotechnology (NT) for achieving high-performance
and healthy buildings for a sustainable future. In the introduction, the
driving forces for the sustainability of construction industry are
explained. Then, the term NT is defined, and significance of
innovations in NT for a sustainable construction industry is revealed.
After presenting the application areas of NT and nanomaterials for
buildings with a number of cases, challenges in the adoption of this
technology are put forward, and finally the impacts of nanoparticles
and nanomaterials on human health and environment are discussed.
", keywords = "Nanomaterial, self-healing concrete, self-cleaning
sensor, nano sensor, steel, wood, aerogel, flexible solar panel.", volume = "8", number = "8", pages = "903-11", }
