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Week 8 - Nanotechnology + Art

With the usage of nanoparticles, I believe fashion will undergo drastic transformations. As explained in this week's lecture videos, when we manipulate on the nanoscale, we can change the properties of the molecules. In particular, I was intrigued by the creation of self-cleaning fabrics. Speaking as a college student, laundry is very time consuming. When done in a rush, our clothes can even become damaged through shrinking or stains.

Researchers at RMIT University have been developing a cheap nanostructure that degrades organic matter when exposed to light using "hot electrons". If this is integrated into textiles, we can merely use some sunlight to clean our clothes, saving our money and time. Not to mention, this material would also be environmentally friendly, since our clothes would be preserved longer and we won't need to waste as much water.

Nanostructures grown on cotton textiles (RMIT University)
<https://phys.org/news/2016-03-nano-enhanced-textiles.html>
With quantum dots, we are able to tune color by the adjusting the size of the particles in the material. In nature, the Blue Morpho Butterfly displays a nanostructure that manipulates light to produce its iridescent metallic blue wings. This is viewed as an inspiration in the field of nanophotonics. If continue to manipulate atoms on the nanoscale, we might also be able to wear vibrant colors without causing extensive harm to the environment by alternatively, harvesting natural pigments.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly, usually found in rain forests of South America.
<http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/15A.html>
Nanoparticles also have huge potential in cosmetics. For example, sunscreens are "micronizing" its zinc and titanium ingredients and make them transparent. L'Oreal is delivering ingredients deeper into the skin using nanocapsules, even since 1998 for an anti-wrinkle cream.

<http://www.nanobusiness.org/the-use-of-nanotechnology-in-cosmetics.html>
In the final part of the lecture, it is also stressed that these products will need to be thoroughly tested before release. Working on the nanoscale holds unknown dangers for the users of these modified products. However, I believe by using nanotechnology, fashion-enthusiasts won't have to choose between quality and environmental consciousness for their products.

Sources

"Butterflies | Causes of Color." WebExhibits, N.d., http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/15A.html. Accessed 28 May 2017.

"Nanotech Jim pt3". Youtube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108.

"Nanotech Jim pt4". Youtube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHCuZetAIhk.

"Nanotech Jim pt6". Youtube, uploaded by uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKlViSKkPd0.

"No more washing: Nano-enhanced textiles clean themselves with light." PhysOrg, 22 Mar. 2016, https://phys.org/news/2016-03-nano-enhanced-textiles.html. Accessed 28 May 2017.

"The Use of Nanotechnology in Cosmetics." NANOBusiness.org, N.d, http://www.nanobusiness.org/the-use-of-nanotechnology-in-cosmetics.html. Accessed 28 May 2017.

Comments

  1. Emma NairinMay 30, 2017 at 12:23 PM

    I thought your blog post was very insightful because you not only explained the science behind nanotech but you also used really good examples like the one about laundry and sunscreen. The aspect of laundry and nanotech is something I did not realize was possible and I find it amazing that we would possible never have to do laundry again. I also think this idea would be very environmentally friendly because we would be saving a lot of water used to power washing machines. With that, I question how does smell from sweat and other body odors come out of the clothes.

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