C hapter 10 nanomaterial product Forms and Functions
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phenomena are naturally done with nanoproducts that are primarily surface oriented, such as nanofilms; or, alternatively phrased,
the purpose of many surface-oriented nanoproducts has to do with
optical properties—self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and so forth. We
also see that primary strength properties are normally a less important consideration in nanocoatings than are other properties. In the
following sections, various functionalities and product types—selfcleaning, antimicrobial, and so forth—are explored. Specific forms
are then discussed.
10.2 FunCtional CharaCteristiCs
The fundamental properties and related applications of nanomaterials and nanocomposites have already been discussed extensively in Chapters 6–9. The first part of this section initially looks at
functional characteristics that are primarily, albeit not exclusively,
related to surface behaviors. In designing or selecting materials,
surface properties are of fundamental importance. Surfaces can
now be designed to have many specific properties that are fundamentally important in the design and use of buildings and
products.
The general need and desire to keep surfaces clean and free of dirt
has long been with us. Needs can stem from particular use applications. In medical facilities, the need to keep surfaces from contributing to the spread of bacteria is obvious—hence the need for surfaces
that are easy to clean or that have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. The very act of keeping surfaces clean continues to occupy
enormous amounts of human energy; hence the need for selfcleaning surfaces. The need for antistaining surfaces on everything
from walls and automotive seat covers to clothing hardly needs
explanation. Problems of fungi or mold growth on surfaces, particularly in buildings, may not initially seem very high on any list of
important problems, but many serious and recurrent health problems experienced by building occupants are known to be related
to the presence of mold (the “sick building” syndrome) as well as
other factors. Antifungal and antimold material characteristics are
needed.
Other functional needs related to surfaces include abrasion and
scratch resistance. A successful quest for self-healing or self-repairing
surfaces that recall similar behaviors in the skins of humans and
animals would provide an enormous benefit to all. Materials with
special behaviors related to light and color also have widespread
applicability.
406
phenomena are naturally done with nanoproducts that are primarily surface oriented, such as nanofilms; or, alternatively phrased,
the purpose of many surface-oriented nanoproducts has to do with
optical properties—self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and so forth. We
also see that primary strength properties are normally a less important consideration in nanocoatings than are other properties. In the
following sections, various functionalities and product types—selfcleaning, antimicrobial, and so forth—are explored. Specific forms
are then discussed.
10.2 FunCtional CharaCteristiCs
The fundamental properties and related applications of nanomaterials and nanocomposites have already been discussed extensively in Chapters 6–9. The first part of this section initially looks at
functional characteristics that are primarily, albeit not exclusively,
related to surface behaviors. In designing or selecting materials,
surface properties are of fundamental importance. Surfaces can
now be designed to have many specific properties that are fundamentally important in the design and use of buildings and
products.
The general need and desire to keep surfaces clean and free of dirt
has long been with us. Needs can stem from particular use applications. In medical facilities, the need to keep surfaces from contributing to the spread of bacteria is obvious—hence the need for surfaces
that are easy to clean or that have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties. The very act of keeping surfaces clean continues to occupy
enormous amounts of human energy; hence the need for selfcleaning surfaces. The need for antistaining surfaces on everything
from walls and automotive seat covers to clothing hardly needs
explanation. Problems of fungi or mold growth on surfaces, particularly in buildings, may not initially seem very high on any list of
important problems, but many serious and recurrent health problems experienced by building occupants are known to be related
to the presence of mold (the “sick building” syndrome) as well as
other factors. Antifungal and antimold material characteristics are
needed.
Other functional needs related to surfaces include abrasion and
scratch resistance. A successful quest for self-healing or self-repairing
surfaces that recall similar behaviors in the skins of humans and
animals would provide an enormous benefit to all. Materials with
special behaviors related to light and color also have widespread
applicability.