Nanomaterial
The Construction Terms Reference Library, published by the Construction Innovation Hub in 2019 defines a nanomaterial as a:
| …natural, incidental or manufactured material containing particles, in an unbound state or as an aggregate or as an agglomerate and where, for 50% or more of the particles in the number size distribution, one or more external dimensions is in the size range 1-100 nm. |
As defined by the EU “2011/696/EU: Commission recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial”, Official Journal of the European Union, O J L 275, 20.10.2011, p. 38-40.
Table 2. Example MNP Construction Material Impacts
Adapted from 45 64 37:
- S. K. Arora et al, “Drivers of technology adoption – The case of nanomaterials in buildings construction,” Technological forecasting and social change, vol. 87, pp. 232-244, 2014.
- Nanowerk, “Nanotechnology in the Construction Industry,” [Online]. Available: https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-in-construction-industry.php [Accessed 28 June 2019].
- C. Hierold, A. Jungen, C. Stampfer, and T Helbling, “Nano electromechanical sensors based on carbon nanotubes,” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 136, pp.51-61, 2007.
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