ICSTI Statement on Nanotechnology - Forfás

Due to the maturity of the industry, it is being compelled by
legislation and public opinion to move actively towards the key
goals of (1) cost reduction in the provision of new housing, (2)
reduced environmental impact, (3) reduced energy consumption
in manufacture and lifetime, (4) improved durability, (5) reduced
maintenance costs and (6) significant weight reduction.
The key elements of this roadmap are as follows:
to accelerate acceptance of innovative building technologies;
to create an environment that allows for a construction
systems solution;
to industrialise the building process;
to improve the construction of buildings; and
to move more building to the factory.
6.8.3 Intersection with Nanotechnology Roadmap
Overlap with fundamental material science has led to
nanotechnology being increasingly applied in construction
materials research and development, in particular, nanotechnology
relating to plastics and polymers.
Cement is the most widely used construction material. The
synthesis and use of reactive and non-reactive nanoparticles and
their role in cement binders, controlled releases of admixtures
and new approaches to concrete reinforcement are crucial. It is
expected that the addition of nanoparticles to concrete will
improve the control of concrete microstructure beyond what is
possible today with existing technologies. Therefore the product
should be more durable in terms of its resistance and lifespan.
The programming of time-release chemical admixtures in concrete
will provide maximum effectiveness at the construction site and
cement binders reinforced with nanofibres will impede crack
formation and growth. It is important however, not to limit a
discussion to cement/concrete and recognise the importance of
plastics, glass and metals in the industry
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