Nanotechnology in building materials

Nanotechnology will most likely have a significant impact on the building products and buildings.
Building materials
• Corrosion protective roofing and cladding using nanometer scale corrosion inhibitor coatings
• Glass with properties such as self cleaning coatings. transparent-opaque switchable glass, UV blocking glass, heat management glass coatings
• High performance insulation materials based on nanoporous aerogel materials
• Paint coatings with enhanced UV protection, and durability using transparent UV adsorbing nanoparticles, nanodyes, and nanoadditives
• Antibacterial household fittings based on silver nanoparticles or light activated nanoparticles
• Fire retardant materials using nanoparticles or nanoclays
• Easy clean surfaces based on surface nanostructures that produce water repellent surfaces
• Nanopigments deliver UV stability and ease of incorporation into polymer systems
• Corrosion protection systems to replace toxic chromate coatings
• silver nanoparticles have the antibacterial properties
Housing systems
• Water treatment systems based on nanofiltration and light activated nanoparticles that facilitate household water recycling
• Energy efficient lighting using light conducting materials that transmit light and energy efficient LED and electroluminescent based lighting
• Advances in energy generation using solar generation and advanced energy storage systems will enable freedom from grid electricity and environmental sustainability
• Intelligent housing systems that respond to stimuli such as temperature, light, and airflow to continually optimise the environment inside the building