The Pros and Cons of Nanotechnology

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What is Nanotechnology? “Nanotechnology is the manipulation or self-assembly of individual atoms, molecules, or molecular clusters into structures to create materials and devices with new or vastly different properties. Nanotechnology can work from the top down (which means reducing the size of the smallest structures to the nanoscale… or the bottom up (which involves manipulating individual atoms and molecules into nanostructures and more closely resembles chemistry or biology)” (Joseph & Morrison, 2006, p.3, para. 2).

There are several requirements which are needed to meet the definition of nanotechnology; size limitation of 1-100 nm (or about the width of three or four atoms), and it needs to be man-made. Its purpose is to control matter at a nanoscale, using mechanochemistry to form the desired structure. One of the most important criteria is that the nano-structure has its own unique characteristics that are unlike any other nano-structure. It is required to be unique.

Nanotechnology in essence is not futuristic in nature. Scientists refer to a timeline of the development of nanotechnology. The first wave of nanoparticles would perform one function only. The nanoparticles of the second wave would be able to execute multiple functions. The third wave would be proliferation. Nanotechnology is already applied and used today in cosmetics (sunscreen), coatings (non-scratch surfaces), and to make stronger tools. Short-term applications will most likely include such things as paints. Paints created with nanotechnology could have various properties for multiple applications, e.g. reducing solvent need in paint and thereby making it more environmentally friendly, making paint thinner, which could be used on aircraft. It would reduc...

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...and ethically use nanotechnology. What would be the point of this gift that could give us so much, if we are only going to destroy ourselves with it in the end?

Works Cited

Conjecture Corporation. (2011). What are the possible dangers of nanotechnology?. Retrieved February 17, 2012 from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-possible-dangers-of-nanotechnology.htm

Joseph, T., & Morrison, M. (2006). nanoforum.org. Retrieved February 17, 2012 from http://www.nanoforum.org/dateien/temp/nanotechnology in agriculture and food.pdf

Nanowerk LLC. (2011). Introduction to nanotechnology. Retrieved February 17, 2012 from http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology/introduction/introduction_to_nanotechnology_1.php

Qiuping, C. (2001). Expert issues warning on nanotechnology side-effect. Retrieved February 15, 2012 from http://www.china.org.cn/english/2001/Aug/18023.htm

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