Nanomaterials

Question 1

What is the definition of a nanomaterial?

Answer 1

A material of which a single unit is sized between 1 and 100 nanometres (10^-9 meters)

Question 2

How do nanomaterial properties differ from bulk materials?

Answer 2

They often have unique optical, electronic or mechanical properties. The are of great scientific interest as they are effectively a bridge between bulk materials and atomic/molecular structures. Nanomaterials do not have constant physical properties.

Question 3

What are common uses of nanomaterials?

Answer 3

They are used in chemistry, engineering and electronics manufacturing. They can be used to design pharmaceuticals that can target specific organs or cells in the body such as cancer cells/ They can also be added to cement, cloth and other materials to make them stronger but yet lighter.

Question 4

What are the potential health risks of nanomaterials?

Answer 4

Inhaling nanoparticles in the body may include lung inflammation and heart problems. Nanoparticles can get into the body through the skin, lungs and digestive system - which can lead to cell damage and to DNA. The human body has no natural immunity to new substances and is more likely to find them toxic.

Question 5

What are the potential environmental risks of nanomaterials?

Answer 5

Nanomaterials reaching in the land have the potential to contaminate soil and migrate into surface/ground waters.

Question 6

Examples of nanomaterials

Answer 6

Graphene, Fullerene, Nanodiamonds