Only a few decades ago, the simple thought that a concept like nanotechnology would be applied in a vast array of disciplines and would radically change our view on the world seemed laughable.
Although nanotechnology was originally introduced in Sci-Fi literature, nowadays its undeniable practical utility has emerged as the singular way for sciences – biology, physics, chemistry, etc. – to make any real progress. Well, in accordance to Moore’s law anyway, but it has been a good predictor one time too many for us to ignore.
To define the concept of nanotechnology as we perceive it today, it suffices to say that it consist in the science that enables researchers to manipulate and rearrange the nano-structure of fabrics by utilizing microscopic-size machinery.
In order to better understand the dimensions of these machines, you need to take into account that the standard thickness of a standard piece of paper measures approximately 100,000 nano-meters.
Because all materials and fabrics perform completely different when examined at a nano level, this technology grants us the possibility to gain a better understanding of how the properties of various substances can be augment or, on the contrary, negated.
Leaving the theoretical aspects of nanotechnology aside, let’s first examine how we managed to take advantage of it so far.
Current practical applications of nano-tech
Sporting equipment was among the first domains of manufacturing where nanotechnology was successfully implemented. Let’s take golfing for example. Prior to the introduction of nano-tech, the advancements made in golfing balls and clubs was stagnating for quite some time.
However, when the high density polymer coatings were applied on the exterior surface of the balls and clubs, players immediately noticed how much their swing improved.
In addition, tennis racquets benefited from nano-tech as well when the density of nCode’s standard carbon atom structure was augmented.
Shoes and sportswear manufacturers can also count themselves among the beneficiaries of nanotech. For instance, women’s sports bras and water shorts have been improved by the addition of nano-size channel that not only promote and accelerate drying, but they also diminish the amount of sweat that stays in prolonged contact with the skin significantly.
At the same time, numerous fabrics with nano-tech have microscopic level sunscreens, which confer the wearer an additional layer of shielding against UV rays.
Furthermore, nanotechnology sneaker inserts permit the storage of air pockets within the internal surface that maintain the warmth of the feet and silver particles with anti-fungal/antibacterial roles.
Cosmetics and other skin care products have been considerably enhanced by nanotechnology over the last few years. For example, numerous lip glosses have nanoscopic zinc and oxide particles imbedded within them for moisturizing and SPF shielding purposes, while skin creams contain wrinkle diminishing micro-lifters.
A further example for the utilization of nanotechnology in the cosmetic product field comprises of the coatings applied to razor blades that boost the density of the metallic alloys, enhancing not only their durability but also their serration.
Future applications of the nano-tech field that we can predict
Scientists speculate that in the future we will be able to exercise even more control over the actions of the nano-tech machinery.
One of the primary applications envisioned consists in the simple replication of virtually any substance, which will put an end to famine and poverty.
Furthermore, it is assumed that the computer technology field will benefit from this technology and that we will be able to reduce the dimensions of complex machines to the size of a sugar cube.
But this won’t be limited to computers, because the nano-tech would allow us to shrink virtually all electronic components to pocket size.
In the field of medicine and pharmacology, the nano-robots could act as smart systems that can be introduced in the body and programmed with routines that include the destruction of diseased cells as well as the reparation of the useful ones.
Thanks to their size, nano-robots can easily transcend the BBB, which has been the greatest impediment researcher face nowadays. In addition, nanotechnology machines could replace the functions of the body that have been lost in an accident (sight, hearing, etc.).
The practical applications of nano-tech that humankind will be able to access in the not so distant future are vast and new ones emerge every day.
From augmented aerospace and automotive fabrics to homes that can change their appearance in an instant, from machines that can repair the damaged ozone layers of the planet to Terra-forming new ones, nano-tech is clearly the science of the future.
I didn’t know that nanotechnology was even benefiting clothing. It’s amazing to see the advancements in technology in all areas. These advancements are changing the world.