Nanotechnology in Homebuilding

Self-Cleaning Windows

Nanotechnology is having a significant impact on the homebuilding industry and has a vast range of applications to various other industries like communication, medicine, transportation, and agriculture. The science of nanotechnology calls for manipulating matter on a molecular scale atom by atom thereby developing new materials, devices, and structures. This holds promise to producing superior quality, highly durable, and more efficient products across many industries. The homebuilding industry is at the forefront of advances in nanotechnology.

There are materials and special coatings that have been developed through nanotechnology that make buildings and homes cleaner, safer, and stronger. These products in the future will allow these buildings and homes to operate with higher energy efficiency. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are incorporated in materials and coatings to manage heat and light by blocking UV light from the sun. These same materials also have self-cleaning properties due to the photocatalytic effect. So in other words, the titanium oxide being used in paints, tiles, windows, and cement for its deodorizing properties also becomes increasingly hydrophilic or attractive to water. This is used to create windows that self-clean as the hydrophilic coatings can chemically break down absorbed dirt in sunlight. It also works as an anti-fogging agent on windows.

Nanotechnology can also be used to strengthen materials and improve upon qualities that in the past have hindered overall performance. Currently, companies have developed materials four times stronger than the strongest titanium alloys and these materials have the ability of resisting corrosion. Insulation made from nanomaterials can create the highest thermal performance at minimal weight and thickness. Even air filters for air conditioning systems are being created using nanotechnology which are able to clean and filter air better than existing filters.

Nanotechnology is the next frontier in the home building industry. With the use of nanomaterials, manufacturers will be able to integrate solar cells into roofing materials, make insulation more efficient, create self-cleaning windows, have stronger drywall, create easy to clean surfaces for bathrooms and kitchens, and make paint durable and mildew resistant. The US Business Weekly established nanotechnology, as one of the three key areas of work in the 21st century and the housing industry will be one of the leaders of innovation that will change the industry forever.