NANOTECHNOLOGY
IN
HOME FURNISHINGS
KEY TERMS
MEMS – three dimensional objects that
perform a mechanical function, whose
dimensions are between 1 to 100 micrometers
Nanoparticle – a particle of material at the
nanoscale
Nanotechnology – a material or structure
purposefully manufactured with dimensions
between 1 and 100 nanometers to leverage
the unique properties it has at that size
Silver ion – technically speaking, a silver ion is
an atom of silver that is missing one electron
www.silver-collids.com
Thermopile – a MEMS device that measures
heat
UNIT OBJECTIVES
1. List the benefits of nanotechnology.
2. Name appliances that use nanotechnology.
3. Name housing building materials that use
nanotechnology.
4. Describe how nanotechnology is being
integrated in small kitchen appliances.
5. Explain how nanotechnology is used in lighting.
6. Describe how paints use a nanoguard.
7. Explain how windows use nanotechnology.
8. List expected salaries for skilled
nanotechnology workers.
9. List Oklahoma schools offering courses in
nanotechnology.
WHY NANOTECHNOLOGY?
Carpets don’t stain
Furniture doesn’t fade
Paint doesn’t chip
Windows are always clean
Surfaces are germ-free
APPLIANCES
• MEMS sensors are
increasingly being integrated
to make appliances smarter,
such as a thermopile, which
is a non-contact temperature
sensor
• MEMS thermopiles are
used in cooktops to
help regulate
temperature by
monitoring the
temperature of the pan.
When pans are
removed, the energy
transfer stops and the
burner is slightly warm
http://www.shopwatchbuy.com/chinese-laundry---cool-it--white---footwear-pid760509
• Silver ions released
during wash/rinse cycles
• Sterilizes clothes
without hot water or
bleach
• MEMS pressure sensors
help regulate water
pressure
http://www.monstermarketplace.com/appliancesand-accessories/wf448aap-dv448agp-we357a7p
• A MEMS pressure
sensor is used as part of
the soil-sensing
function in dishwashers,
which determines the
appropriate amount of
water necessary to
clean the dishes. This
function can be a
significant water saver.
http://homeappliances.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/electrolu
x-dishwasher-2/
• Microwaves rely on a
MEMS thermopile to
monitor the
temperature of food as
it’s being cooked to
help regulate the brief
on/off cycle. It also
allows food to be
http://www.spavensdirect.co.uk/store_details.php?prdID=2
defrosted and cooked at
17
the same time.
• Refrigerators that have
automatic ice cube
makers use a MEMS
thermopile that detects
when the water is
frozen to drop the cube
into the ice bin
http://www.premiumapp.com.au/productpages/liebherr/keknv5056
.html
SHEETS
 Wrinkle Resistant
 Stain Resistant
 Repels Water
http://www.wrinklefreesheets.org/
HOUSING BUILDING MATERIALS
Concrete that repels water that results in less
stains
Coating on decking that protects the surface
from moisture, stains, scratches, and UV rays
Insulation that can be used in places besides
the attic and walls, such as around doors and
windows
• Handrails, faucets,
door knobs, and light
switches use silver ions
to remain germ-free.
http://www.acetogo.com/blog/2010/10/25/plumbingsupplies-and-fixtures/
FURNITURE
• Furniture has
nanotechnology-based
coatings to make it stain
resistance, fade
resistance, and scratch
resistance.
http://www.leathersectionalsblog.com/palliserleather-sectionals/palliser-vermillion-leatherfurniture-94/
SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Non-stick coating on glass bakeware
Plastic containers have nanoparticles
embedded in them to make foods stay fresh
longer
Toasters use MEMS thermopile that measures
the temperature of the bread’s surface to
determine doneness
LIGHTING
• Light bulbs used a
MEMS-based cooling
chip that decreases the
temperature of the
bulb, which results in
lights that use less
energy, last longer, and
offer a better quality
light.
PAINTS
• Paints use a nanoguard that
makes them more water
resistant, decreasing the
chance of mildew; a harder
finish that is less prone to
chipping; exterior paints that
are dirt resistant
http://www.archithings.com/behr-paints-introduces-premium-plusultra-interior/2009/05/17/behr-paint-premium-plus-ultra-interior
WINDOWS
• The use of nanoscale
materials make
windows more heat
resistant
• The nano-coating reacts
with sunlight to break
down dirt
http://www.solarexpectations.com/products.html
 Nanotechnology is a young and growing field
 An estimated two million skilled nanotechnology
workers will be needed worldwide by the year
2015 – one million of them in the U.S.
 Graduates are receiving salary offers up to
$55,000 per year with a two-year degree
 Graduates with a baccalaureate degree can
expect salary offers up to $65,000 per year
 Students who choose to continue their education
can expect salary offers of $100,000
OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS OFFERING
COURSES
Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma University
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa University
REFERENCES
•
•
•
•
•
•
www.azonano.com
www.nanoshop.com
www.nanotechproject.org
www.fda.gov
Richard Booker and Earl Boysen, Nanotechnology for Dummies, Indianapolis,
Indiana, 2005.
Marlene Bourne, A Consumer’s Guide to MEMS and Nanotechnology, Scottsdale,
AZ, 2007.
This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school students to the
basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a PowerPoint presentation,
discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when applicable.
The series was funded in part by:
The National Science Foundation
Grant DUE-0702976
and the
Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science
Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.