The Influence of Nanotechnology over Redesigning and Improving the Elements of Architecture

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1 Afghanistan Quarterly Volume 11, Issue 2, pp The Influence of Nanotechnology over Redesigning and Improving the Elements of Architecture M. Miralaei Abstract: The term nanotechnology refers to nano-scale technology that has implications and is applied in the real world. This includes applying biological, chemical and physical systems at varied scales and integrating the produced nanostructures with larger systems. With increasing population and increasing the amount of construction and also because of limited resources and material consumption, demand for the use of new materials has increased in the construction industry. Efforts in order to find solutions to improve quality, increase efficiency and reduce the consumption of materials and energy, make use of new technologies in the industry. The use of new technologies such as nanotechnology in construction can be an effective factor in functional architectural features such as sustainability and safety issues. Nanotechnology is the ability to change the fundamental characteristics of materials and solution of structural problems, the development of new materials with new features that increase performance and efficiency as well more durable. Most importantly of all ideas based on environmental sustainability, smart materials and structures and multi-functional materials can be achieved through new technology. Nanotechnology has been very effective in

2 building and improving the quality of buildings and the benefits it can pointed out to increase the quality of materials, energy saving and therefore sustainable architecture and environmental sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technology and nano-technology to enhance the quality of building materials in the building and the achievement of sustainable architecture using descriptiveanalytic approach. The current research is a review on nanotechnology and its role in strategies for energy conservation in building and achieving sustainable architecture. Keywords: Nanotechnology, construction, architecture, materials. Introduction Advances in technology and human needs has led to extensive research done on the properties and behavior of materials which consequently resulted in the creation of various types of structures and use of different materials. Nanotechnology is not a new discipline, It means a new approach in all disciplines. Nanotechnology gives a new vision of producing materials with properties at the nanoscale and atomic arrangement different. The goal of nanotechnology is actually build things atom by atom. Due to the rapid growth of scientific research and nano science and technology in all science and industry has received little attention to the implications of this phenomenon in the construction industry. According to an economic assessment, nanotechnology has a significant impact in the construction sector. Several applications have been developed for this specific sector to improve the durability and enhanced performance of construction components, energy efficiency and safety of the 132

3 buildings, facilitating the ease of maintenance and to provide increased living comfort. A more generalized description of nanotechnology was subsequently established by the National Nanotechnology Initiative, which defines nanotechnology as the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometers. The threshold for entry into this arena that nanotechnology has come to make changes in the nature of materials. In this scale that solids can be changed, for example, gold color will change from yellow to red. In essence the process of manipulating matter at the atomic and nano materials and devices by controlling their atoms and molecules. In fact nanotechnology is concerned the production process of nano materials and their application by combining tiny particles called nanoparticles. Nanotechnology can be called an enabling technology in the construction sector that man is able to take advantage of this exciting technology and imagine new areas of development and progress. The application of nanotechnology in construction industry usually includes optimization of conventional and existing materials. What has become an architectural design with other developmental programs of subjectivity to objectivity is building materials. Of course, possession of capable, characters and more resistant materials, buildings can be designed and built that they were governed by fewer restrictions and more adequately meet the biological needs and the human psyche. After a while these materials were gradually eroded and corruption and aggressive environmental factors (sunlight, active ions, moisture, etc.) are pushing them into decline. This inevitable process always occur and can only be delayed the deterioration and erosion by applying the principles and appropriate methods. Typically they do routine and periodic maintenance to materials which the main purpose of these 133

4 activities is increase and stay healthy for life against destructive agents. This will continue until the mention materials of the building is worn out and discarded and replaced them with newer materials. The History of nanotechnology The starting and the initial development point of nanotechnology is not known. Perhaps the first nanotechnologists were medieval glassblowing that used the medieval forges to shape their glass. Of course, these glassblowing did not know why the color of glass changes by adding gold. At that time nanometric gold particles were used to build medieval church windows and beautiful stained glass obtained. Now such glass are found among the very old glass. Color arisen in this glass is based on the fact that nanoscale materials have not the same material properties. Nanotechnology the fourth wave of the industrial revolution is a huge phenomenon which had been formed in all the scientific attitude. In fact, if all materials and systems infrastructure put on the nanoscale then all the reactions take place faster and more efficient and sustainable development to be adopted. Among the many accomplishments of this technology, its application in the production, transmission, use and storage of energy with high performance creates a dramatic transformation in this regard. The nano science researchers are trying to use this technology to more comfort to inside and outside of the building and finding a new kind of materials with high performance and achieve cost savings. Sustainable Architecture Architects in line with other scientists seeking new ways to provide optimal living of human beings in the world. 134

5 Obviously life, work, vacation and leisure activities that have taken place in spaces designed by architects and since the strengths and weaknesses of a building will have a direct impact on the world's ecosystems, so massive duty in this respect is the responsibility of architects. The application of sustainability concepts in architecture has opened new issues in the name of sustainability or ecological architecture or green architecture or ecological architecture which they all have the same concept and indicate environmentally friendly architecture. The architectural quality followed in order to achieve the objective of peace so that the rights of future generations is preserved. The important thing to consider, is that all factors related to comfort considered together as a single system. Through the architectural community can be informed the utility and the economic and environmental value. Human being is as the ultimate goal of sustainable architecture and in order to provide the necessary groundwork to prepare people. Architectural professionals have to accept the fact that as a society s economic status improves, its demand for architectural resources land, buildings or building products, energy, and other resources will increase. This in turn increases the combined impact of architecture on the global ecosystem, which is made up of inorganic elements, living organisms, and humans. The goal of sustainable design is to find architectural solutions that guarantee the well-being and coexistence of these three constituent groups. Application of nanotechnology in energy and building Nanotechnology is production capabilities of new tools and systems for the control of atomic and molecular levels using the properties in which appear on the surfaces. From this simple definition it is clear that nanotechnology is not a new field, but is a new approach in all fields. According to the 135

6 indiscriminate use of renewable energies and environmental damage, the world energy situation is at a critical stage which the remedy in this regard will be the way to survive and preserve the environment for future generations. Application of nanotechnology in the development of other technologies have significant impact on the health and welfare of the people. Today countries benefiting from nanotechnology and its integration with other specialties. Nanotechnology creates norms and standards that countries have a delay in nano production can not have a future niche in science. Cementations materials Concrete is a composite material composed of coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement which hardens over time. Most concretes used are lime-based concretes such as Portland cement concrete or concretes made with other hydraulic cements, such as ciment fondu. However, road surfaces are also a type of concrete, asphalt concrete, where the cement material is bitumen, and polymer concretes are sometimes used where the cementing material is a polymer. Increase resistance of concrete depends on its crystalline structure that is only a few nanometers in size. In recent years with starting material development in the field of cement building materials, nano materials used as supplementary materials. Nanotechnology cause improved in resistance, strength of cement mix materials and changes in other properties such as electromagnetic shielding, thermal protection, control, thermal conductivity, and catalytic reactions through the use of nano-powder as supplementary material. Including supplementary materials for concrete mortar properties at the nanoscale can be mentioned metal oxides such as colloidal silicon dioxide or block copolymers. Using colloidal silicon dioxide that particle size is typically in 136

7 the range of 5 to 30 nm the strength and the resistance increases against acid corrosion. This is primarily due to the active silica surface and depend on the ability to mix with cement elements that could create product more strength after reaction. The speed and severity of the reaction has positive effects on the concrete such as modified chemical composition of cement. Figure. 1: Silicon Oxide Nanoparticles Facade and roof of the building Nanotechnology offer many ways to improve the surface properties of the building facade in terms of performance and beauty. Surface properties against water and dust particles customizable with relatively high diversity using nanomaterials which can mention hydrophilic, hydrophobic or oleophobic surfaces. Hydrophilic surfaces when moisten create a uniform film of water and prevent the formation of drops and thus the formation of steam on the window glazing or mirrors. Technically making superhydrophobic surfaces achieved using photocatalytic titanium dioxide coatings 137

8 which at the same time biological effect, algae, moss and bacteria sticking to surfaces lost as a result of photocatalytic activity. The use of nano titanium dioxide powder increase the effectiveness of layer and prevent light scattering due to small particles. Now the production of photocatalytic coating system is relatively large and include superhydrophilic surface that is used in the mirror, self-cleaning windows, window frames or brick. Figure. 2: self-cleaning ability of roof tiles with hydrophobic covers Wood surfaces Nano stone and wood are used in addition to the conventional wooden surfaces for polished and painted wood surfaces. Polished wood surfaces used three months after the polishing and multifunctional nano-coating is used for painted wood surfaces. The buildings that made of fiber cement turn on the source of stains and dirt after a while. 138

9 Cement used for building facades sucked dirt and mold and with the influence of sunlight replaces them within the matrix and removing of them is very difficult. The use of nano stone and wood coatings prevents the penetration of dirt, bacteria and etc into their matrix and maintained initial appearance of building as well. Smart windows The term of smart window refers to glass panel which can change light transmission properties depending on the type of environmental impacts. Chromogenic materials used for this purpose that color or its transparency could be change reversible due to physical or chemical causes. Flat glass sold valued at $ 40 billion annually worldwide. So even if the smart window only target a part of the market it is expected that the income from it is immense. Such glass can be considered as an alternative systems such as shades and curtains antiradiation systems. Smart glass are produced by various technologies which is largely based on the use of nanomaterials and nano-scale coating systems. Of course these glasses have not been widely commercially used due to high costs and technical problems but companies producing this type of glass can be noted like Econtrol-glass and Gesimat. Industrial anti-radiation systems be excluded in the future and heat and daylight is better served in building. This innovation is based on micro-mirror cells which is composed of billions of individual elements. The space between the walls is made of glass and conventional materials. The light is directed straight into the room and additional lighting (annoying) reflected outside. Carbon nanotubes Extensive research is being done on applications of carbon nanotubes and has discovered significant properties. For example although their density is one-sixth the density of 139

10 steel, Young's modulus is five times and strength seven times of the steel. If you add half to one percent by weight of the nanotubes to the concrete matrix their properties are significantly improved. Some types of nano particles of different adhesives and their impact on the key features related to concrete erosion guided such as preventing the transfer of chlorine ions, resistance to carbon dioxide, steam diffusion and water absorption and penetration. A solvent consisting of epoxy resin with low molecular weight and nanoparticles of clay has shown promising results in this area. Iron oxide or hematite nanoparticles when adding to the concrete matrix increasing the strength of concrete and makes possible monitoring stress levels by measuring the shear electrical resistance of the concrete. Figure. 3: Carbon Nanotubes Fire protection Nanotechnology offering a variety of methods for flameproofing development and improvement of its properties and provides as an alternative to polluting substances. Nano silica particles is used as fillers polymers and to enhance the fire retardant properties and heat resistance. Polymers play an 140

11 important role in cable coverage in buildings for example, fuses, sockets and lamp compartment. Nanoclay composites indicate that their anti-fire properties reduced significantly about heat and smoke and at the same time postponed sparking. Another component of fire-prevention coating is for wood, metal, plastic or concrete and fire delays in these materials. In a ceramic coating in case of fire in a few seconds, thermal insulation works and strictly prevent the spread of smoke. Using nano-powder, the coating is formed faster. So that the gas emissions, products of combustion and water bubbles trapped at the same time and thermal insulation acts secondary. The advantages of anti-fire systems compliance with Halogen-free environment and high resistance to light and wear. Fire-retardant properties of wool as a barrier at a constant temperature can significantly increase by non-toxic connections based on surface modified SiO 2 containing nano particles. Using specific nano binding containing silica (silicon base), the flammable natural organic fiber (straw and hemp) has fallen sharply and finds applicability as light materials. In the case of glass wall nanotechnology helps to improve the performance of fire protection. In the fight against fire there is always a negative thing for glass and is its fragility, flares and smoke emissions from melting glass in the event of a fire. We can create fire-proof glass with nanoparticles that form sponge cover (foam-like). These walls in comparison with previous ones (previous techniques) are approximately 50% lighter. A transparent nano gel is made based on this method and will fill the space between the outer wall and a hard ceramic foam and micro-holes produces with high insulation properties. Light scattering reduced due to the small nanoparticles in the gel and this leads to maintained transparency for fire walls. Fire-proof glass tentatively been used in Dubai airport. 141

12 Conclusion Nanotechnology is a new technology which is important and has valuable applications in various industries including construction. Nanotechnology has created great scientific movement in the world in solving many environmental problems, improvement of conditions and in particular to reduce energy consumption. Application of nanotechnology especially materials in construction industry can be an effective step in advancing the goals of sustainable architecture. Since the objective of sustainable architecture is energy saving, reducing of non-renewable resources, strengthen and extend the life of the building and reducing environmental pollution, therefore with the use of nanotechnology in architecture and help build the materials with mentioned features and applications can be expected that materials produced in a more economical manner as well as less natural resources be taken. With the arrival of new materials in building technology structures will be affected by changing the arrangement of atoms at the nanoscale, where there will not be disadvantages such as corrosive chemical. So phenomena such as acid rain, chemical mechanisms during implementation and construction and temperatures will not be considered as destructive and limiting factors. This technology improves the material properties and creates desirable features in it. Acknowledgements This work has been funded by Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar branch, Shoushtar, Iran. 142

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