Understanding Nanotechnology: Past, Present, and Future Applications
Nanotechnology, popularized by Eric Drexler in the 1980s, involves manipulating matter at the molecular and atomic scale. Its theoretical foundations trace back to Richard Feynman’s landmark 1959 lecture, "There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom." The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative outlines four generations of nanotech. Currently, it sees extensive military funding for applications like battlesuits, advanced communications, and medical treatments. Future advancements promise profound impacts across all sectors, contingent on financial investment.
Understanding Nanotechnology: Past, Present, and Future Applications
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Presentation Transcript
What it is • The term “Nanotechnology” was popularized in the 1980’s by Eric Drexler • Building machines at the molecular scale • Uses “Molecular Manufacturing” & “Mechanochemistry”
History • Nanotechnology first theoretically mentioned in 1959 – by Richard Feynman in his book “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom”. • The term was first used by: Norio Taniguchi in 1974. “The principles of physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom” ~Richard Feynman
The Four Generations • Mihail (Mike) Roco of the “US National Nanotechnology Initiative” described the 4 generations of nanotechnology in 2010 • http://crnano.org/whatis.htm (More on the 4 generations) 1st gen.=single process 2nd gen.=multi process 3rd gen.=linking 2nd gen. 4th gen.=“molecular factories”
Current Uses • Most funding is through the U.S. military • Creating: Battlesuits, Communication devices, Coatings, Medicines & Sensors. • http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3028(More on the military application)
Application (Battlesuits/Communication Devices) • Battlesuits • Fabric can tell when it is being impacted • Chem/Bio warfare protection • “Artificial Muscles” • Communication Devices • Can be built into uniforms • Can show vital signs: pulse rate, physical condition,
Application(Coatings/Medicines) • Coatings • Rust/corrosion resistant • Stealth Coatings • Medicine • Automatic drug delivery systems • Instantaneous wound healing • “Hemorrhagic shock” –battlefield treatment
Application(Sensors) • Sensors – wide array of sensors • Discover airborne pathogens (bio-chem warfare) • Constant health monitoring (of every soldier) • Exact GPS positioning built into equipment
Future? • Involve heavy investment into Nanotech. • It will encompass every aspect of technology • Estimated to happen around the year 2020 • Biggest constraint will be financial, not technological
References • Altmann, Jurgen. "Military Uses of Nanotechnology: Perspectives and Concers." UK.Sagepub.com. Sage Publications, 22 May 2009. Web. 8 Oct. 2013. • Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. "MIT Institute For Soldier Nanotechnologies." MIT Institute For Soldier Nanotechnologies - Research. MIT, 2013. Web. 08 Oct. 2013. • Soutter, Will. "Nanotechnology in the Military." Nanotechnology in the Military. AZONano, 20 June 2012. Web. 08 Oct. 2013. • Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, (CRN). "What Is Nanotechnology?" What Is Nanotechnology? World Care, 2010. Web. 09 Nov. 2013. • Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. "Nanotechnology Project." PEN News. ProcessWire, 2013. Web. 09 Nov. 2013. • Environmental Protection Agency. "Extramural Research: Nanotechnology." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 2013. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.
