Nanotechnology revolutionizes the world of architecture and construction

Nanotechnology holds promise for all industries in the 21st century. Architecture and construction will not be left out of this revolution. The development of new products from particles a billion times smaller than one meter is already a reality for the sector. Nanomaterials, as they are known, are present in everything from structures to the finest finishes.

Nanoconcrete

Carbon nanotubes mixed with cement are the composition of nanoconcrete. The product is three times stronger than regular concrete and lighter, making structures less dense, which allows for work in curved shapes . The material also promises to extend the durability of pigmentation . French architect Jean Nouvel has applied the technology to his projects, such as the 31-story La Marseillaise tower in the south of France.

Nanopigmentation

Nanotechnology applied to paints is already a consolidated technique in the market for reducing toxicity and the cost of products. The mechanical properties of pigments are altered by adding nanoadditives such as nanofibers, improving resistance, permeability, adhesion and coating. Gold nanoparticles, for example, are commonly used to coat sacred and artistic works with gold, since in nano form they acquire tones ranging from red to violet. Nanostructures in photonic crystals generate colored surfaces without the addition of any pigment. São Paulo architect João Armentano chose the raw material for the foliage panel at the Wish hotel in Natal.

Coatings and Surfaces

Nanotechnology is also related to sustainability when applied to wall coverings, for example. A building can receive or lose large amounts of heat and natural light through the walls. Polycarbonate sheets Nanogel-filled polycarbonate sheets can be used in translucent walls and ceilings in a new type of multilayer system . Furthermore, the energy used to extrude polycarbonate sheets is typically a small fraction of that used to manufacture glass. Polycarbonate sheets are also durable (250 times more impact resistant) . They are tested to withstand temperatures from -40 to 120°C and can withstand more extreme conditions such as windstorms, hail or snow. The insulating nanogel , which is used to fill polycarbonate sheets , consists of synthetic polymers or biopolymers that are chemically or physically cross-linked to aid in energy efficiency, which can provide a construction that is 50% more energy efficient than single-layer glass. Quartz surfaces have also been transformed by the tiny particles. The technology has modified the molecular properties of the smart materials, resulting in a change in surface tension and thus eliminating the micro porosity caused by the polishing process and preventing any penetration of liquids. The process also achieves greater color intensity and considerably increases the level of gloss.

Efficient Windows and Solar Energy

Researchers at Princeton University, finding that smart windows could save up to 40% of energy, have developed a new technology that controls the amount of light and heat entering a building and is self-powered by transparent solar cells in the window itself. A similar technique was used in the tower designed by Agustin Otegui: the concept is based on a “skin” of nanotechnological components, tiny photovoltaic turbines that, in addition to absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, capture solar and wind energy, passing it through nanofibers within nanowires.