Week 8: NanoTechnology + Art

I found Dr. Gimzewski's lectures on nanotechnology and art extremely fascinating! I honestly never knew there were so many ways in which nanotechnology can be used. One aspect of this field that particularly caught my attention was the role of nanoparticles in self-cleaning products. In his lecture, Dr. Gimzewski discussed how when you make particles on the nano scale, you can change properties, as seen in the "lotus leaf effect" (Nanotech for Artists, Part 3). The lotus effect essentially refers to the property of hydrophobicity, or water-repellency, and has been reproduced on a variety of surfaces, including glass, wood, metal, and absorbents. 

"The Lotus Effect." ProPerla, https://www.properla.co.uk/lotus-effect/. 


In recent years, such nanotechnology has proven to have "real commercial potential," especially for the textile industry (Malik). In efforts to emulate this remarkable phenomenon of nature, multiple companies have developed dirt- and liquid-repellant functional finishes/coatings in order to protect the longevity and quality of clothing. Such repellency is made possible due to the high-surface energy, as well as the large surface area to volume ratio, of the nanoparticles (Fibre2Fashion). BASF, a European-based chemical company, has succeeded in providing fabrics with the "lotus treatment" by creating a specially crafted solution consisting of nanoparticles "firmly embedded in a carrier matrix" (The Engineer). BASF's incredible finish allows water droplets to smoothly roll off the surface of one's clothing and, in the process, wash away any existing dirt particles. This ultimately allows one to avoid the need for any detergents or extra cleaning, and thus the unnecessary wastage of water, time, and money. 

"Self-Cleaning Fabrics." Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/218354281903676227/. 


As Professor Gimzewski discussed, the process of self-cleaning can also be found in glass. Similar to self-cleaning fabric, self-cleaning glass involves the application of an ultra-thin coating that prevents the accumulation of dirt and grime (Bose). This coating, comprised of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, follows a two-step process that incorporates both photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties. Photocatalysis refers to a "light-activated process" in which electrons are generated when the sun's rays hit the glass. These electrons then convert water molecules into "hydroxyl radicals" that ultimately help to break down any carbon-based dirt particles that can easily be washed away (Bose). Further, because the titanium dioxide particles make the glass hydrophilic, rainwater molecules are then able to spread evenly and wipe the glass completely clean! 


"Self-Cleaning Glass." New Glass Technology, https://www.newglasstech.com/?page=product&cat=Facade&product=self-cleaning&lang=en. 





Works Cited: 

1.) "BASF Gives Fabric the Lotus Treatment." The Engineer, 

            https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/basf-gives-fabrics-the-lotus-treatment. Accessed May

            26, 2023. 


2.) Bose, Priyom. "Applications of Nanotechnology-Based Self-Cleaning Glass." Azo Nano, 


           https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5510. Accessed May 26, 2023. 


3.) Malik, Tanveer. "Self-Cleaning Textile." Technical Textile, 

            https://www.technicaltextile.net/articles/self-cleaning-textile-an-overview-2646. Accessed May 26,

            2023. 


4.) Malty, Subhankar. "Self-Cleaning Finishes for Functional and Value Added Textile Materials." 

            ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342086404_Self-

            cleaning_Finishes_for_Functional_and_Value_Added_Textile_Materials. Accessed May 26, 2023. 


5.) Gimzewski, James. Lecture: Nanotechnology + Art Part 3. Desma 9: Art, Science, and Technology. 

            University of California, Los Angeles. 


6.) "Self-Cleaning Textiles." Fibre2Fashion, https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/7172/self-

            cleaning-textiles. Accessed May 26, 2023. 


7.) "Understanding Lotus Effect." Nanografi, https://nanografi.com/blog/lotus-effect-in-nanotechnology/. 

            Accessed May 26, 2023. 



Comments

  1. Mehrad ArdaghiMay 28, 2023 at 4:11 PM

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  2. Mehrad ArdaghiMay 28, 2023 at 4:11 PM

    Hi Jenna! I really enjoyed reading your blog post for this week! I like how you talked about self-cleaning being found in glasses because that gives us an insight into how nanotechnology plays an important role in creating products that are helping out people. Also, I also did not know much about the different ways that nanotechnology could be used, but after reading your post and watching the lecture videos for this week, I got a better understanding of its importance. Great work!

    ReplyDelete

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