Nanotechnology in Eco-Efficient Construction

Nanotechnology in Eco-Efficient Construction

by Fernando Pacheco-Torgal, M Diamanti, A Nazari, C Goran-Granqvist
Released April 2013
Publisher(s): Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 9780857098832

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Book description

As the environmental impact of existing construction and building materials comes under increasing scrutiny, the search for more eco-efficient solutions has intensified. Nanotechnology offers great potential in this area and is already being widely used to great success. Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction.

Following an introduction to the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materials, part one considers such infrastructural applications as nanoengineered cement-based materials, nanoparticles for high-performance and self-sensing concrete, and the use of nanotechnology to improve the bulk and surface properties of steel for structural applications. Nanoclay-modified asphalt mixtures and safety issues relating to nanomaterials for construction applications are also reviewed before part two goes on to discuss applications for building energy efficiency. Topics explored include thin films and nanostructured coatings, switchable glazing technology and third generation photovoltaic (PV) cells, high-performance thermal insulation materials, and silica nanogel for energy-efficient windows. Finally, photocatalytic applications are the focus of part three, which investigates nanoparticles for pollution control, self-cleaning and photosterilisation, and the role of nanotechnology in manufacturing paints and purifying water for eco-efficient buildings.

Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is a technical guide for all those involved in the design, production and application of eco-efficient construction materials, including civil engineers, materials scientists, researchers and architects within any field of nanotechnology, eco-efficient materials or the construction industry.

  • Provides an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction
  • Examines the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materials
  • Considers a range of important infrastructural applications, before discussing applications for building energy efficiency

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. Contributor contact details
  6. Chapter 1: Introduction to nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction
    1. Abstract:
    2. 1.1 Introduction
    3. 1.2 The need for nanotechnology in the construction sector
    4. 1.3 Outline of the book
  7. Part I: Infrastructural applications
    1. Chapter 2: Nanoscience and nanoengineering of cement-based materials
      1. Abstract:
      2. 2.1 Introduction
      3. 2.2 Nanoscience of cement-based materials
      4. 2.3 Nanoengineering of cement-based materials
      5. 2.4 Conclusion
    2. Chapter 3: Nanoparticles for high performance concrete (HPC)
      1. Abstract:
      2. 3.1 Introduction
      3. 3.2 Concrete with nanoparticles
      4. 3.3 The problem of efficient nanoparticle dispersion
      5. 3.4 Conclusions
    3. Chapter 4: Self-sensing concrete with nanomaterials
      1. Abstract:
      2. 4.1 Introduction
      3. 4.2 Studying conductive admixtures in concrete
      4. 4.3 Influence of conductive admixtures on the mechanical properties of concrete
      5. 4.4 Influence of conductive admixtures on the electrical properties of concrete beams
      6. 4.5 Strain and damage in concrete beams (self-diagnosing of damage)
      7. 4.6 Diphasic electrical conductive materials
      8. 4.7 Conclusions
    4. Chapter 5: The use of nanotechnology to improve the bulk and surface properties of steel for structural applications
      1. Abstract:
      2. 5.1 Introduction
      3. 5.2 Research relating to nanocomposite steel
      4. 5.3 Properties of nanocomposite steel
      5. 5.4 Future trends
    5. Chapter 6: Nanoclay-modified asphalt mixtures for eco-efficient construction
      1. Abstract:
      2. 6.1 Introduction
      3. 6.2 Research on nanoclay-modified asphalt mixtures
      4. 6.3 Material and methods
      5. 6.4 Rheological tests and results
      6. 6.5 Mechanical testing of asphalt mixtures
      7. 6.6 Conclusion
      8. 6.7 Future trends
    6. Chapter 7: Safety issues relating to nanomaterials for construction applications
      1. Abstract:
      2. 7.1 Introduction to nanotoxicity
      3. 7.2 Potential nano-hazards of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) utilized in construction
      4. 7.3 Lifecycle of nano-enabled structures
      5. 7.4 Toxicity profiling for nanomaterials
      6. 7.5 Future trends and conclusions
  8. Part II: Applications for building energy efficiency
    1. Chapter 8: Thin films and nanostructured coatings for eco-efficient buildings
      1. Abstract:
      2. 8.1 Introduction
      3. 8.2 Major thin film technologies and some illustrative examples
      4. 8.3 Large-scale manufacturing
      5. 8.4 Conclusion and future trends
    2. Chapter 9: High performance thermal insulation materials for buildings
      1. Abstract:
      2. 9.1 Introduction
      3. 9.2 Heat transfer in thermal insulators
      4. 9.3 State-of-the-art insulators
      5. 9.4 Applications
      6. 9.5 Future trends
    3. Chapter 10: Silica nanogel for energy-efficient windows
      1. Abstract:
      2. 10.1 Introduction
      3. 10.2 Aerogels for windows
      4. 10.3 Current applications of aerogels in buildings
      5. 10.4 Performance of nanogel windows
      6. 10.5 Future trends
    4. Chapter 11: Switchable glazing technology for eco-efficient construction
      1. Abstract:
      2. 11.1 Introduction
      3. 11.2 Electrochromics: materials and devices
      4. 11.3 Thermochromics: materials and devices
      5. 11.4 Future trends in electrochromic and thermochromic glazing
    5. Chapter 12: Third generation photovoltaic (PV) cells for eco-efficient buildings and other applications
      1. Abstract:
      2. 12.1 Introduction
      3. 12.2 History of photovoltaic (PV) cells
      4. 12.3 Functions of a photovoltaic (PV) cell
      5. 12.4 Overview of photovoltaic (PV) technology: first, second and third generation cells
      6. 12.5 The use of nanotechnology in photovoltaic (PV) technology
      7. 12.6 Future trends
  9. Part III: Photocatalytic applications
    1. Chapter 13: Concrete, mortar and plaster using titanium dioxide nanoparticles: applications in pollution control, self-cleaning and photo sterilization
      1. Abstract:
      2. 13.1 Introduction
      3. 13.2 Principles of heterogeneous photocatalysis
      4. 13.3 Applications of semiconductor photocatalysis
      5. 13.4 TiO2 in cement-based materials
      6. 13.5 Efficiency of TiO2 in the built environment
      7. 13.6 Pilot projects and field tests
      8. 13.7 Existing patents and standards relating to photocatalytic cementitious materials
    2. Chapter 14: Self-cleaning tiles and glasses for eco-efficient buildings
      1. Abstract:
      2. 14.1 Introduction
      3. 14.2 Important production parameters
      4. 14.3 Mechanism of self-cleaning glasses and tiles
      5. 14.4 Future trends
    3. Chapter 15: Nanotechnology in manufacturing paints for eco-efficient buildings
      1. Abstract:
      2. 15.1 Introduction
      3. 15.2 Application of photocatalytic paints in an outdoor environment
      4. 15.3 Application of photocatalytic paints in an indoor environment
      5. 15.4 Potential formation of by-products
      6. 15.5 Future trends
    4. Chapter 16: Nanotechnology for domestic water purification
      1. Abstract:
      2. 16.1 Introduction
      3. 16.2 Nanomaterials and water purification
      4. 16.3 The need for nanomaterials in water purification
      5. 16.4 Types, properties and uses of nanomaterials in water purification
      6. 16.5 Synthesis of nanomaterials
      7. 16.6 Nanotechnology: health, safety and environment
      8. 16.7 Domestic water purification: challenges to bring about an integrated system
      9. 16.7.2 Challenges with development of integrated nano-based systems for water purification
  10. Index

Product information

  • Title: Nanotechnology in Eco-Efficient Construction
  • Author(s): Fernando Pacheco-Torgal, M Diamanti, A Nazari, C Goran-Granqvist
  • Release date: April 2013
  • Publisher(s): Woodhead Publishing
  • ISBN: 9780857098832