One day this might not just be ordinary corduroy...
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The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies recently
inventoried common consumer products in the country and tallied a staggering
1,600 products which contain nanoparticles, which are defined as particles between
one and 100 billionths of a meter in diameter.
And this inventory is not even comprehensive, leaving one to imagine how
many other products also contain such materials.[1] Clearly, nanotechnology is fast-becoming an
integral part of our daily lives.
Many
common applications of nanotechnology are found in some of our clothing. Fabric can be impregnated with anti-microbial
silver nanoparticles where their positive charge prevents bacterial cells from
multiplying. The particles’ minuscule
size means that the fabric remains soft and pliable. Silica nanoparticles can be sprayed on cloth
and other surfaces to create an ultra-hydrophobic layer. This layer causes any water to bead and roll
of the surface rather than penetrating it which waterproofs it more effectively
than any other method. Nanotechnology
can provide further protection from the elements in our clothing by providing
UV-protection. Light-scattering titanium
dioxide along with zinc oxide can be embedded in the material to prevent sun
damage to both skin and fabric.
Additionally, these nanoparticles conduct electricity and so help
disperse static charge and prevent uncomfortable shock. Some researchers convey concern over these
particles, particularly silver. Studies
have shown that it leaches from the fabric via sweat. The anti-microbial properties of silver nanoparticles
can seriously disrupt biotic processes.
Concerned scientists propose that once it is widely used in clothing,
very high concentrations of the substance will be present in waste water and
runoff leading to serious environmental problems for susceptible aquatic life. These researchers warn that the
commercialization of nanotechnology is continuing at a speed far ahead of crucially
important research into its potential risk.[2] Fabrics of the future may be made out of nano-filaments
and materials instead of just being embedded with them for specific uses.
Nanotechnology
is also drastically changing the electronics, computer, and medical
fields. Conductive ink made from
metallic nanoparticles allow for conductive circuits to be literally drawn
anywhere. Disposable, flexible and cheap
paper drawn circuitry may be near.
Graphene and other superconductors will revolutionize computer
technology. Even medication may be delivered
via site-specific nanoparticles, allowing for much smaller, much more effective
and much safer doses of medicine for patients.
Nanobots operating within the body could even act as an army of miniature
surgeons, performing medical procedures on a scale unattainable by human doctors.[3] However, the safety of these technologies
needs to be seriously studied and analyzed before we implement them in the
consumer market. The human and environmental
risks may be far larger than we've anticipated.
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