Small materials poised for big impact in construction

Pedro Alvarez and colleagues note that nanomaterials likely will have a greater impact on the construction industry than any other sector of the economy, except biomedical and electronics applications. Certain nanomaterials can improve the strength of concrete, serve as self-cleaning and self-sanitizing coatings, and provide many other construction benefits. Concerns exist, however, about the potential adverse health and environmental effects of construction nanomaterials.

The scientists analyzed more than 140 studies on the benefits and risks of nanomaterials. They found that the materials can provide a wide variety of benefits for the construction industry, ranging from greater strength and durability to improved energy efficiency. The report also identified potential adverse health and environmental effects, and cites the importance of developing guidelines to regulate the use and disposal of construction nanomaterials.

The authors acknowledged funding from the Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology at Rice University (National Science Foundation Award EEC-0647452).

ARTICLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Nanomaterials in the Construction Industry: A Review of Their Applications and Environmental Health and Safety Considerations”

DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT ARTICLE http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/nn100866w

CONTACT:
Pedro Alvarez, Ph.D.
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Rice University
Houston, Texas 77005
Phone: (713) 348-5903
Fax: (713) 348-5203
Email: alvarez@rice.edu