key: cord-016551-5vwgg8e6
authors: Anis, Mohab; AlTaher, Ghada; Sarhan, Wesam; Elsemary, Mona
title: Construction and Building Applications
date: 2016-12-09
journal: Nanovate
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-44863-3_2
sha: 
doc_id: 16551
cord_uid: 5vwgg8e6

The construction industry is a particularly attractive industry for nanotechnology applications. Since it employs a diversity of building materials, nanomaterials can be employed to enhance the materials’ performances, durability, longevity and sustainability. The construction and building practice is detrimental to the environment in various aspects such as electricity consumption, landfill accumulation, unhealthy aesthetics and neighborhoods. This chapter shows how nanotechnology-based building materials are playing an important role in green architectural design and construction, which has become a growing trend in many countries. Nanomaterials could be integrated with cement, concrete, or windows to conserve energy, minimize electricity bills and sanitize the surrounding atmosphere. Nevertheless, the industry is still facing many hurdles towards the wide application of nanomaterials in a cost effective manner.

Construction and building are major contributors to the rising carbon emissions and the global climate change. In addition, the construction industry is a rapidly growing industry. The nature of the construction industry involves the application and use of a diversity of building materials. This leads to nanotechnology being rapidly adopted by the construction market in several aspects like coatings, insulation materials, and building materials (steel, cement, asphalt, glass, polymers, etc.). Nanomaterials are currently employed in cements, steel, and even windows to render buildings greener, more cost effective and safer.

Green construction has become the dominant trend in the construction industry, which means that buildings should meet certain specifications in the materials used, the processes employed, and in the behavior of the residents. These specifications aim at reducing CO 2 emissions and reducing the negative impact of the construction industry on the environment. Green architectural design and construction has shifted dramatically since the evolution of nanotechnology. Many people are now seeking healthy lifestyles and environmentally friendly neighborhoods. Green building is currently experiencing a growing demand by governments, architects, and people, especially after many cities have adopted strict regulations regarding green construction. Globally buildings consume around one third of the worldwide electricity [1] , with cement alone contributing to the global CO 2 emissions by around 5 % [2].

One way nanotechnology is used in construction is the concept of nanoreinforcements which involves reinforcing the body by adding dispersions that are in the nano-size scale. For example, nanoreinforcements in steel have rendered steel stronger and lighter. Nanoreinforcements in cement have rendered it more durable and cost effective. Another application of nanotechnology in the market involves making Ultra Violet (UV) absorbing, self-cleaning, and depolluting coatings for windows. Moreover, nanotechnology has been rapidly adopted in air and water purification systems. The next generation of nanotechnology applications in construction has begun to involve Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which are solar cells that can be integrated within buildings in smart designs without affecting the buildings' aesthetics, as well as being a clean source of energy and electricity. Even electronics and sensors are being developed to be integrated with buildings. Smart curtains or windows are expected to change the way people are experiencing the way they live (imagine walls that change colors with just a click!) [1] .

It is important to note that there are still a lot of barriers to the adoption of nanotechnology in building, however, there are certain drivers and enablers that if emphasized and executed will overcome such barriers. Nano-enhanced materials are more expensive than conventional materials. They yield high performances using small amounts of the materials. Thus, it is expected that with the continuous R&D (Research and Development) efforts to improve nanomaterials' performances at lower costs, the construction market will continue to increasingly adopt the nanomaterials. Proper education of the construction industry about the potential benefits associated with nanotechnology is the starting point towards the rapid adoption of nanotechnology in building materials. Although nano-based construction materials are not economically competitive compared to conventional materials, continuous efforts are undertaken to render them cost effective. In addition, strict regulations have proved to be an important surge to the adoption of nanotech in green construction. One significant example is the US LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Development) which has developed strict minimum standards to simultaneously force and encourage builders to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Hong Kong fights germs in subways.

A Japanese antimicrobial nanocoating that had long lasting efficiency offered maximum protection and elevated hygiene levels in Hong Kong subway stations.

• Owing to their nanosize, antimicrobial nanoparticles offered the potential to maximize public protection against germs in the highly populated Hong Kong subway stations.

• Nano Silver-Titanium Dioxide Coating (NSTDC): A coating containing tiny particles of silver and titanium that are very active in killing microbes.

• The nano-formula has been successfully applied by MTR (Mass Transit Railway) in Hong Kong subways, and has been continuously monitored to expand its application in other facilities inside and outside Hong Kong.

SARS outbreak. In the spring of 2003, a large outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) occurred in Hong Kong and other Asian countries. The contagion rapidly spread throughout the world. Its rapid transmission and high mortality rate made SARS a global threat for which no efficient therapy was available and proactive empirical strategies had to be developed to treat the patients and protect healthy individuals.

High risk zones. Around 2.5 Million commuters use Hong Kong railway and subway stations daily, and they are highly susceptible to dangerous microbes adhering on floors, handrails and buttons.

More cost and lower sustainability. Regular disinfection of railway stations uses harsh cleansers, which are expensive and some of which are not environmentally friendly.

Public misconception. The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has classified TiO 2 as a "Potential Occupational Carcinogen", which produces a public misconception regarding its safety-workers need to wear protective clothes while spraying NSTDC, but once dried it is completely safe.

Silver resistance. There are recent investigations that are addressing issues related to microbes that can develop resistance against silver nanoparticles, which can compromise its long term effectiveness.

No international standardized testing. Lack of standardized tests to assess the long term potential environmental impact of nanoparticles (because there are different formulations of different compositions using different synthetic techniques).

Efficiency on a broad spectrum. NSTDC is certified to be effective in killing a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and mold including the H1N1 influenza virus.

Huge investment. MTR Corporation attempted to invest 1.5 million dollars in nanotechnology products to enhance the hygiene levels of Hong Kong stations, especially that nanoparticles maximize effectiveness.

Regulated materials. NSTDC's main component, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), has been approved for use in foods by the FDA and under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance in Hong Kong.

Promising results. Preliminary tests on Hong Kong subway cars coated by NSTDC showed 60 % reduced bacterial infections.

Durability. The NSTDC nano formula is stable and does not require frequent replacement; therefore it is sprayed every 3 years and is checked regularly every 8 months.

Wider adoption. NSTDC, promising antimicrobial efficiency, makes it suitable to be applied in MTR-managed shopping malls, staff offices and recreational facilities to ensure the highest cleanliness standards for passengers, customers and staff.

What's Next?

MTR plans to monitor the coatings in Hong Kong in attempts to apply them in its two new UK rail franchises-London Rail and West Midlands.

Palais Royale: India's first green super-tall residential building.

Hydrophobic concrete plays an important role in the rapidly growing building industry in India.

• Concrete is porous and by time, it absorbs water causing it to corrode and crack. Hycrete admixtures (chemical mixtures added to concrete) are hydrophobic nanostructured mixtures that create a waterproofing seal on the concrete's internal capillaries preventing water penetration. Similarly, they protect steel reinforcement bars by creating protective coatings around them. Nanotechnology • Nanostructured cement in liquid admixtures: When the concrete hardens, the admixture turns from liquid to a solid bonded to concrete.

• "Palais Royale" is the first skyscraper to achieve the platinum LEED certificate from the Indian Green Building Council.

Rapidly emerging market. The construction boom and the damp environment in India make it an ideal customer for Hycrete. It is worth mentioning that in 2008 alone, around 30 projects made use of Hycrete.

Cost of corrosion. The US spends 276 billion dollars annually on corrosion related problems and the Federal Republic of Germany spends 4 % of its gross national product on corrosion [1] .

LEED motif. Builders and architects all over the world seek to earn LEED credentials. India has become an advanced entrant in the LEED race.

Environmental impact. External protective coatings on concrete are usually petroleum based and thus compromise the ability to recycle concrete. In addition, they release VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the surrounding environment.

Still needs to be greener. Hycrete technology does not play too impactful of a role in reducing carbon emissions associated with making concrete.

Very slow adoption rate. The construction market is somewhat conservative and diffuse, especially in India: high quality construction is not yet fully appreciated on a large scale.

Risky investment. The construction market in developed countries is well established. Consequently, developing countries are the main target. However, the concepts of green nanotechnology innovations are not easily implemented or understood in most developing countries.

Uncertain feature. Some studies on Hycrete suggested that its compressive strength is reduced by 10-20 % yet is still suitable for most construction applications [3].

India is getting rich. The construction boom in India was mainly triggered by the rapid growth in the middle-income class as well as the increasing wealth of the country.

High level testing. Hycrete went through over 10 years of independent and sponsored tests, mostly funded by US Federal Highway administration. All of these tests showed promising results. According to the British Standard Absorption Test BSI 1881-122, Hycrete had less than 1 % water absorption [4] .

Gold certificate. Hycrete is the first material certified by Cradle-to-Cradle gold certification because it is easy to recycle and it adds LEED points to projects.

Cost and time saving. The admixture is built within the concrete that is batched at the plant not at the job site. Thus it saves costs of extra containers and materials compared to the case of applying external coatings at the job site.

Business boom. The Palais Royale project greatly boosted the Hycrete business. The project required 100,000 gal of Hycrete and the company gained more than one million dollars.

Cost efficiency. The installation process of Hycrete in the "Palais Royale" project was fast and cost effective because the amount of Hycrete needed per square feet was 40 % less than the amount needed for the external waterproofing membrane solutions.

Operational impact. Implementation of nanostructured admixtures in Hycrete decreases the amount dosed in concrete (1 gal per cubic yard of concrete) reducing the time, cost, and waste of operations [4] .

Internal impact. The application of Hycrete is expected to enhance the longevity and durability of the skyscraper's infrastructure.

What's Next?

The underdeveloped construction market in India along with Hycrete's success in Indian projects is driving private equity firms to joint venture with Hycrete, Inc. Hycrete's achievement in India is setting it as a role model for the emerging construction markets in the Middle East.

Bioni paints Dubai Discovery Gardens.

A 40,000 square meter residential community in Dubai "Discovery Gardens" decided to use the antimicrobial Bioni paints.

Bioni using nanotechnology, managed to stabilize and integrate silver nanoparticles in paints. It used the smallest possible microbicidal amount to prevent yellowish discoloration of paint.

Silver nanoparticles bound to paint: tiny particles of silver that are very active in killing microbes.

The residential community is built with an antimicrobial durable nanocoating that is resistant to cleansing chemicals and is nonflammable [1] .

Greener long lasting alternative. Traditional antimicrobial coatings containing biocides have short life spans and slowly diffuse into the environment posing human and environmental risks.

Metropolitan growth. In Dubai, there is a continuously growing construction activity with buildings of truly immense proportions, which makes it a valuable customer for Bioni antimicrobial paints.

Desert kingdom. Although Dubai employs high quality construction work, the hot climate and high humidity create an ideal medium for the growth and propagation of mold and microbes inside buildings.

SBS. The SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) is strongly related to contaminants and pollutants released from indoor sources [1] .

Aesthetics and efficiency. The difficulty of maintaining a high enough concentration of nanosilver to efficiently exert an antimicrobial effect yet low enough to prevent yellowish discoloration.

High cost. Although Bioni antimicrobial paints in hospitals are 25 % more cost effective because they decreased the frequent use of biocides, they are more expensive in residential buildings.

Superbugs. Even though tests have shown that Bioni antimicrobial paints killed more than 99 % of Staphylococcus aureus on the paint surface, still there were no appropriate field tests carried out to test activity against superbugs (microbes resistant to multiple antibiotics).

Applied Materials Research in Bremen) and in Bioni CS have spent more than 10 years developing processes for manufacturing the antibacterial nanosilver particles and for incorporating them successfully into paint solutions.

Broad microbicidal effect. Bioni antimicrobial paints are volatile organic compounds, free of antiallergic, antiviral and antibacterial effects.

Nanosafety. The nanotechnology innovation in the paint ensures nanosafety by trapping the nanoparticles in a polymeric matrix, thus there is no fear of release into the surroundings. Furthermore, the coating is certified by TÜV Rheinland Signet ensuring that it is emission free and does not release any substances into the environment.

Dubai municipality testing. The national building authority of Dubai-the Dubai Municipality-conducted its tests on Bioni products yielding promising results.

Maintain building integrity. The innovative paints proved to be the best fit with building materials because they are resistant to abrasion (wet abrasion resistance class 2) and disinfection chemicals. Additionally, they are not flammable (building material class A2).

Extra cost efficiency. According to Dubai municipality testing, Bioni's nanosilver technology has low thermal conductivity and can reflect up to 93 % of the incident light, thus lowering air conditioning bills.

Growing market in Dubai. On July 13th 2009, Bioni was officially recorded in the Emirate's commercial register marking an excellent opportunity for Bioni to expand its activities in the Gulf region.

What's Next?

Although Bioni antimicrobial paints were designed to target medical facilities, Bioni they can find applications in other sensitive buildings such as children's bedrooms, schools, kindergartens, bathrooms, showers and toilets, the food industry, and retirement homes for the elderly.

Société Générale bank in Switzerland utilized 3 M nano-based UV absorbing window films to solve the problems of its overheated indoor working environment. Hundreds of ultra-thin layers made of advanced nanoceramics that can reduce heat and ultraviolet light transfer were installed. At the same time, they preserve interior and exterior window views. Nanotechnology Nano-based advanced ceramics: They filter out 25−99 % of infrared (IR) and UV radiations, while maintaining the transfer of visible radiations [5] .

The new windows reduced cooling costs, contributed to the environment, and maintained their healthy indoor environments.

Nowadays' impractical alternatives. Conventional reflective films are either metal based, which interfere with electronic signals and corrode in coastal regions changing the window color, or dye-based, which fade over time.

Sustainability. Energy costs are increasing, and there is a great need for sustainable energy efficient solutions especially from the building sector which is one of the main detrimental influences on the environment. First patency. 3 M is the first company to earn the world's first patency in window films over four decades ago. Since then, the company has been producing reliable solutions to lower customers' energy costs and to provide an accelerated return on investment.

year commercial warranty, encouraging its rapid commercialization and adoption.

LEED. 3 M window films are components of LEED sustainable design where buildings can earn 2-11 points [6].

Indoor environment. Up to 99 % of total UV energy and more than 80 % of the heat producing IR energy were rejected. The bank had better and sustainable indoor temperature control. Furthermore, fabrics and furnishings were protected against UV induced damage.

Cost effectiveness. Société Générale bank enjoyed a unique and green approach to reduce energy consumption with a valuable return on investment.

Mission accomplished. The bank managed to improve the indoor working environments without compromising the specific historic and aesthetic features of the old building.

Green impact. The building industry is a top contributor to worldwide carbon emissions. Building insulations could save around 42 % of energy consumption and consequently reduce carbon emissions [1] .

What's Next?

The growing regulations on the building sector to save energy drive the growth for solar control window films, which is forecast to be an 863 million dollars market by 2018. First technology providers like 3 M are likely to be market leaders, and early adopters in the construction market will enjoy a unique position [7] .

Cleaning using forces of nature.

An innovative glass makes use of rain and sun to self-clean and resist dirt.

• Innovation Pilkington developed nano-films made of a photocatalyst that can interact with ultraviolet (UV) rays to break down organic dirt. The innovative film also contains a hydrophilic (water loving) component that can attract water or rain on its surface forming sheets that dry without spotting.

The technology used nano films (15−20 nm) made of microcrystalline titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide in the presence of UV produces radicals that degrade organic pollutants to nontoxic products.

Ever since Pilkington introduced their self-cleaning glass windows, they have been experiencing accelerated adoptions of their windows and a growing customer base.

Environment friendliness. Pilkington self-cleaning windows eliminate the need for noxious chemicals that are washed off into the environment after the cleaning process.

Consumer convenience. Self-cleaning windows are forecasted to be more rapidly adopted in construction compared to other types of smart windows: consumers can rapidly see the cost efficiency associated with the decreased frequency of cleaning windows compared to that associated with energy savings in other types of smart windows.

Emerging market. The market for self-cleaning windows is not yet mature, with few players, thus, there is a great opportunity for growth and expansion for early entrants.

Regional limitation. The photocatalytic material used will not function properly in the presence of inorganic dirt, long spells, coastal areas and internal windows because it needs daylight.

Since self-cleaning technologies in windows are new features and no quality standards are there to assess their efficiency, a consumer's decision will be reliant only on the manufacturer's claims.

High cost. Pilkington self-cleaning windows are 15-20 % more expensive than conventional glass, which can negatively influence the buyer's purchasing decision.

Market upset. Glass cleaning companies are an important component of the glass windows "value chain". Thus, the introduction of self-cleaning windows will affect their businesses negatively.

Enablers R&D. Pilkington's expertise through 5-7 years of extensive R&D on thin film technologies enabled it to successfully transform them from laboratory samples to the market.

Safe material. Titanium dioxide is publicly and governmentally accepted because it has been widely used in food related materials, cosmetics, and toothpastes.

Attraction of unique customers. Saint Pancras Station in the United Kingdom is one of the customers that has applied the self-cleaning glass. It installed the glass on its roof and building structure to reduce maintenance costs.

Technology appreciation. Pilkington was one of the four finalists for The Royal Academy of Engineering's MacRobert prize that rewards technological and engineering innovation.

New added benefit. Pilkington photocatalytic effect could naturally also depollute the surrounding air by decomposing some pollutants such as formaldehyde and ground level ozone.

Pilkington is working with other glass manufacturers, universities, and standards' institutes to develop standards that assess and measure the self-cleaning properties of nanocoatings in an attempt to increase the public trust (so as not to be only reliant on the manufacturer claims) and the commercial adoption of these products. Moreover, self-cleaning glass can be integrated with solar panels to reduce their frequent cleaning costs, and to make use of the same solar radiations.

Lumotone invented new transparent shutter films that are stuck on window made opaque by the click of a button.

Lumotone Inc. has designed a film that can be applied to a glass surface and can be converted to opaque color upon switching it off. It can also be tailored to be colored or be used to show a projection, switched on and off using a mobile device.

The innovation is based on a film containing polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) i.e. small nanoparticles of liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer as shown in Fig. 2. 1. How such liquid crystals work: In a typical PDLC, there are many crystals with different orientations and configurations that scatter light giving an opaque appearance. These crystals become aligned when an electric field is applied allowing the light to pass through and giving a transparent appearance.

An efficient invisible window blind that can be turned on and off by the press of a button.

The need for privacy. Window blinds are important house amenities to prevent people from prying into other people's lives.

New décor trends. The new futuristic décor trends constitute less furnishings, wide spaces and invisible blinds instead of curtains that can be controlled by the press of a button.

The need to save energy. By controlling the amount of light entering the room, you can ensure the room stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter thereby reducing the energy needed to maintain a room's temperature. The need for automation. Since the advent of remote controls, computers and mobile phones people have come to rely more and more on automation. This is further increased by the modern fast pace of life. Numerous people nowadays install home automation systems to make their life more comfortable and easy.

UV blockade. NanoShutters block 99 % of UV light entering through the glass. This in turn is healthier as well as crucial to preventing the fading of colors of the interior décor and fabrics of furnishings inside the house.

Installation. The difficulty of installation of the NanoShutter will definitely affect its success. However, Lumotone, Inc. has made the NanoShutters easy to install-as easy as putting up a poster on the wall. They also provide certified professionals who can install them for their customers.

Automation. How to make these smart windows automated and be controlled by your mobile device remotely when you are away from home.

Durability. The durability of the NanoShutter film and whether it can withstand cleaning by household solvents is a limitation. This explains why such films are protected by an upper layer to prevent them from being scratched or destroyed. In addition, the company provides directions as how to clean such smart windows; which solvents are allowed or not allowed.

Research. The founders of the company were originally researchers and engineers in the field of nanotechnology in the University of Waterloo, Canada, giving them credible backgrounds to design such products.

NanoShutters that can be integrated with home automation systems. Lumotone developed their nanoshutters to be compatible with any home automation system.

Mobile applications for the NanoShutters. Lumotone has also designed mobile applications and computer software that enable the users to control their shutters in or away from their homes.

Auto-scheduled NanoShutters. Lumotone has made its shutters to be schedulable by computer or mobile application so a user can sleep in shaded windows and wake up in bright sunlight early in the morning to go to work.

The efficiency of NanoShutters made them invade other market sectors including automotive and aircrafts. These smart windows help to control the inside cabin temperature as well as prevent screen glare when watching videos.

What's Next?

Lumotone is further developing its technology to produce pixels and transparent electronic displays.

Nanotechnology for green building. Green technology forum 2

Environmentally intelligent integral waterproofing and corrosion protection for concrete. Clean Technology

Opportunities and challenges for solar control films