NANOTECHNOLOGY IN

HOME FURNISHINGS

KEY TERMSMEMS – three dimensional objects that perform a

mechanical function, whose dimensions are between 1 to 100 micrometers

Nanoparticle – a particle of material at the nanoscale

Nanotechnology – a material or structure purposefully manufactured with dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers to leverage the unique properties it has at that size

Silver ion – technically speaking, a silver ion is an atom of silver that is missing one electron www.silver-collids.com

Thermopile – a MEMS device that measures heat

UNIT OBJECTIVES1. List the benefits of nanotechnology.2. Name appliances that use nanotechnology.3. Name housing building materials that use

nanotechnology.4. Describe how nanotechnology is being

integrated in small kitchen appliances.5. Explain how nanotechnology is used in lighting.6. Describe how paints use a nanoguard.

7. Explain how windows use nanotechnology.8. List expected salaries for skilled

nanotechnology workers.9. List Oklahoma schools offering courses in

nanotechnology.

WHY NANOTECHNOLOGY?

Carpets don’t stainFurniture doesn’t fade

Paint doesn’t chipWindows are always cleanSurfaces are germ-free

APPLIANCES• MEMS sensors are

increasingly being integrated to make appliances smarter, such as a thermopile, which is a non-contact temperature sensor

• MEMS thermopiles are used in cooktops to help regulate temperature by monitoring the temperature of the pan. When pans are removed, the energy transfer stops and the burner is slightly warm

http://www.shopwatchbuy.com/chinese-laundry---cool-it--white----footwear-pid760509

• Silver ions released during wash/rinse cycles

• Sterilizes clothes without hot water or bleach

• MEMS pressure sensors help regulate water pressure

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/appliances-and-accessories/wf448aap-dv448agp-we357a7p

• A MEMS pressure sensor is used as part of the soil-sensing function in dishwashers, which determines the appropriate amount of water necessary to clean the dishes. This function can be a significant water saver.

http://homeappliances.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/electrolux-dishwasher-2/

• Microwaves rely on a MEMS thermopile to monitor the temperature of food as it’s being cooked to help regulate the brief on/off cycle. It also allows food to be defrosted and cooked at the same time.

http://www.spavensdirect.co.uk/store_details.php?prdID=217

• Refrigerators that have automatic ice cube makers use a MEMS thermopile that detects when the water is frozen to drop the cube into the ice bin

http://www.premiumapp.com.au/productpages/liebherr/keknv5056.html

SHEETS

Wrinkle Resistant

Stain Resistant

Repels Water

http://www.wrinklefreesheets.org/

HOUSING BUILDING MATERIALS

Concrete that repels water that results in less stains

Coating on decking that protects the surface from moisture, stains, scratches, and UV rays

Insulation that can be used in places besides the attic and walls, such as around doors and windows

• Handrails, faucets, door knobs, and light switches use silver ions to remain germ-free.

http://www.acetogo.com/blog/2010/10/25/plumbing-supplies-and-fixtures/

FURNITURE

• Furniture has nanotechnology-based coatings to make it stain resistance, fade resistance, and scratch resistance.

http://www.leathersectionalsblog.com/palliser-leather-sectionals/palliser-vermillion-leather-furniture-94/

SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCESNon-stick coating on glass bakewarePlastic containers have nanoparticles

embedded in them to make foods stay fresh longer

Toasters use MEMS thermopile that measures the temperature of the bread’s surface to determine doneness

LIGHTING• Light bulbs used a

MEMS-based cooling chip that decreases the temperature of the bulb, which results in lights that use less energy, last longer, and offer a better quality light.

PAINTS• Paints use a nanoguard that

makes them more water resistant, decreasing the chance of mildew; a harder finish that is less prone to chipping; exterior paints that are dirt resistant

http://www.archithings.com/behr-paints-introduces-premium-plus-ultra-interior/2009/05/17/behr-paint-premium-plus-ultra-interior

WINDOWS

• The use of nanoscale materials make windows more heat resistant

• The nano-coating reacts with sunlight to break down dirt

http://www.solarexpectations.com/products.html

Nanotechnology is a young and growing field An estimated two million skilled nanotechnology

workers will be needed worldwide by the year 2015 – one million of them in the U.S.

Graduates are receiving salary offers up to $55,000 per year with a two-year degree

Graduates with a baccalaureate degree can expect salary offers up to $65,000 per year

Students who choose to continue their education can expect salary offers of $100,000

OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS OFFERING COURSES

Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma State University

Oklahoma UniversityTulsa Community College

Tulsa University

REFERENCES

• www.azonano.com• www.nanoshop.com• www.nanotechproject.org• www.fda.gov• Richard Booker and Earl Boysen, Nanotechnology for Dummies, Indianapolis,

Indiana, 2005.• Marlene Bourne, A Consumer’s Guide to MEMS and Nanotechnology, Scottsdale,

AZ, 2007.

This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a PowerPoint presentation,

discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when applicable.

The series was funded in part by:

The National Science FoundationGrant DUE-0702976

and the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative

Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are

those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.