a quarterly journal of KPIT Cummins Infosystems Limited
VOL. 4 ISSUE 3, JULY - SEPT 2011
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology : Origin and History
Applications of Nanotechnology : Overview
Automotive Applications of Nanotechnology : Sensors
Automotive Applications of Nanotechnology :
Body and Chassis, Comfort and Emission Systems
Automotive Applications of Nanotechnology :
Memory, Electronic Components, and Displays
Future of Nanotechnology
Nanomanufacturing : from Research to Commercial
Colophon
TechTalk@KPITCummins is a quarterly journal of
Science and Technology published by
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Limited, Pune, India.
Foreword
Dr. Vijayamohanan Pillai
Acting Director
Central Electrochemical
Research Institute
Karaikudi-630006
Tamil Nadu, India
Chief Editor
Dr. Vinay Vaidya
CTO-Engineering IT, VP
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Limited,
Pune, India
vinay.vaidya@kpitcummins.com
Editorial and
Review Committee
Sanjyot Gindi
Chaitanya Rajguru
Krishnan Kutty
Aditi Athavale
Priti Ranadive
Smita Nair
M. N. Babu
Tarun Kancharla
Aniket Dhawade
Reenakumari Behera
Pranjali Modak
Pranali Dhane
Ankita Jain
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TechTalk@KPIT Cummins
Contents
Editorial
Foreword - Dr. Vijayamohanan Pillai
2
Editorial - Dr. Vinay Vaidya
3
Profile of a Scientist
Richard Smalley - Father of Nanotechnology Krishnan Kutty
9
Book Review
Mechanics of Patent Claim Drafting, John Landis
Pranjali Modak
Crossword
15
27
Articles
4
Nanotechnology : Origin and History
Aditi Athavale
Applications of Nanotechnology
Tarun Kancharla
10
Automotive Applications of Nanotechnology : Sensors
Swati Ojha and Reenakumari Behera
16
Automotive Applications of Nanotechnology :
Body and Chassis, Comfort and Emission Systems
Ashish Waykar
22
Automotive Applications of Nanotechnology :
Memory, Electronic Components, and Displays
Vaishnavi Poharkar
28
Future of Nanotechnology
Nikhil Jotwani and Prasad Pawar
34
Nanomanufacturing - from Research to Commercial
Smita Nair
40
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
1
Foreword
Dr. Vijayamohanan Pillai
Acting Director
Central Electrochemical
Research Institute
Karaikudi-630006
Tamil Nadu
The very small world (i.e., nano-world) has big horizons and uncanny surprises. Although many of Feynman's
nanomachines that could be built atom-by-atom and molecule-by-molecule precisely, promising great
opportunities and an unprecedented era of have not been realized completely, his vision of miniaturization has
expanded our capabilities to unprecedented level, often reaching even to supernatural capabilities with respect
to material design and innovation across multiple disciplines. Today, Feynman's dream is surely being realized on a
grand and global scale as explained in this special issue of Techtalk. The remarkable increase in performance of
nanoelectronic devices, possibility of design materials with controllable intelligence for specific applications,
ultralight but super-hard and impact resistant nanocomposites, personalized health care with controlled drug
delivery systems, self-healing smart bridges, self-cleaning and superhydrophobic surfaces --- all these illustrate
the power of nanomaterials which are inextricably linked with innumerable applications. An important feature
of all these wonderful materials (i.e., materials with at least one dimension in the quantum size regime) is its
ability to bridge the crucial dimensional gap between the atomic and molecular fundamental sciences and the
micro-structural scale of engineering and manufacturing. It is generally accepted that the quantum confinement
of charge carriers by the potential wells of nanometer size structure provides one of the most powerful, yet
versatile means to control the properties of these materials by modulating their size and shape. All the articles
presented here deal with fascinating aspects of nano-materials to provide many recent excitements to the
general reader.
Many people often talk about nanotechnology revolution although until now it amounts only a revolution more in
terms of ideas on materials and devices rather than tangible industrial benefits. Proponents hail nanotechnology
as a panacea for all our global challenges like availability of cheap and clean energy, environment clean-up,
affordable healthcare, supply of drinking water to all etc although critics point out that nanotechnology has not
really delivered major benefits despite the Europhobia. However, some of the most significant and cutting edge
research that have happened in the last decade is in nanotechnology where new materials like carbon nanotubes,
graphene, quantum dots, metallic Nanowires etc have caused enormous excitement. The shaper and size
dependant properties of many of these nanomaterials are very useful for making nanocomposites with
unprecedented applications potential due to the possibility of tailoring their dimensionality to facilitate a change in
their fundamental properties including mechanical, electrical, optical or electrochemical behavior
in
comparison with similar behavior of their bulk analogues. For example, the behavior of monolayer protected
gold and silver nanoclusters have been found to vary dramatically with both size and shape. Similarly, the
insertion of conducting polymers in layered host materials and other structurally organized environments can
result nanostructures with novel electrical, structural, and mechanical properties. Such systems can potentially
show hybrid properties synergistically derived from both the host and the guest which could be profitably utilized
for energy storage applications. This issue of tech talk focuses on applications of nanotechnology .
There also needs a cautionary note on some aspects of nanotechnology, popularly known among skeptics as
“anti-nanotechnology” While nanomaterials create a wealth of new opportunities, they also pose tremendous
environmental and human risks. Potentially harmful effects of nanotechnology might arise as a result of the nature
of the nanoparticles themselves, the characteristics of the products made from them, or aspects of the
manufacturing process involved. The large surface area, crystalline structure, and reactivity of some
nanoparticles may facilitate transport in the environment or lead to harm because of their interactions with
cellular material. The size of nanomaterials could facilitate and exacerbate any harmful effects caused by the
composition of the material. Little is known about the fate, transport, and transformation of nanomaterials after
they enter the environment. Although there have been few studies to date on the potential toxicity of
nanomaterials, research efforts should be intensified in order to prevent the possibility of damage to human
health and the environment. High reactivity and tendency of accumulation in tissues pose threats to living
organisms and more regulatory and safety measures are needed for the production and use of many nanomaterials.
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Editorial
This issue is a very special issue from the perspective of cutting edge technology. The topic of
nanotechnology has taken a firm grip on everyone's mind. Many look at it with awe. Even the
world of physics, as we understand, has been challenged by it. Nano particles behave differently
than the laws of Physics we know. For example, magnetic behavior of nanoparticles defies the
laws of physics. It's a completely new world down there.
Dr. Vinay Vaidya
CTO - Engineering IT, VP
KPIT Cummins Infosystems
Limited, Pune, India
Our first research work, at KPIT Cummins, in the area of nanotechnology started about a year
ago. We started carrying out joint research with the National Chemical Laboratories (NCL)
under the guidance of Dr. Vijayamohanan. Using nanomaterials, we developed a supercapacitor
also called ultracapacitor. To connect this supercapacitor, we built a special circuit. This circuit
and the supercapacitor were connected to a bicycle. Energy generated during peddling was
captured through a generator. This electrical energy was captured in the supercapacitor. The
captured energy was then used for running the bike as an electric bicycle.
In the last 25 years, nano technology has become a common word. In general, for
technology under development it takes much longer for it to become part of layperson's talk.
Nanotechnology has found multiple applications in wide spectrum of domains.
In health care, nanotechnology is helping us make advances in detecting, diagnosing and treating
diseases. In aerospace, nanotechnology is providing new tougher and lighter materials. There are
multiple applications in the automotive industry. They range from a cooler engine, scratch free
surface, change of car color, sensors, batteries, to fuel cells. For the textile industry, it is useful in
developing stain resistant, wrinkle free cloth. In the electronics industry, it can help create a
memory device with one terabit per square inch. It has also wide applications in other areas such
as food processing, cosmetics, and construction. The list is never ending. What use can we make
of nanotechnology in the future is up to our imagination.
In the late 80's, Life magazine had come up with an issue that talked about a futuristic scenario. It
said that in the future humans would live beyond 350 years. In the article they had weaved a very
interesting life story of such a couple. At around 75 both of them decide to change their career.
Thus, they go back to school, get another degree, and change their profession. At around 125,
they get tired of it, go back to school, and repeat the process. The present state is quite different.
Recently, a 115-year-old woman passed away and she has set the record of longevity. We still
have a long ways to go before life can be extended to 150 years. Since nano technology deals at
the same scale as the size of an individual cell, perhaps nano technology would shed some more
light and help us get to that dream.
Please send your feedback to :
vinay.vaidya@kpitcummins.com
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
3
Prof. Richard “Rick” Errett Smalley
(1943 – 2005)
“Be a scientist, save the world”
35 & 36, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park,
Phase - 1, MIDC, Hinjawadi, Pune - 411 057, India.
y
“Be a scientist,
save the world”
TechTalk@KPITCummins July - September 2011
4
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Nanotechnology:
Origin and History
About the Author
Junior Scientist
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd,
Pune, India
Areas of Interest
Cryptography,
Multicore Programming
Aditi Athavale
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
5
1. Introduction
Did you ever wonder what is it that makes a
stained glass so unique in colors? You may think it
has to do with the addition of some colored
elements to the molten glass. In reality, these
particles of gold and silver give rise to red and
yellow shades in the glass. Surprised? The artists of
medieval period (500 AD- 1450 AD) used to mix
compounds of gold and silver into the molten glass.
The color was due to the extremely small size of
these metal particles [1].
lization of the technology, followed by the instances
of development of machines that operate at nanoscale.
II. What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is manipulation of matter at a very
tiny scale, that is, at the scale of molecules and
atoms. Nanoscale means measurement in the
range of 1 to 100 nano-meters, where one nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Every material has
its own physical properties like color, frequency,
electric conductivity etc. These properties are
retained even if we divide the material into smaller
parts. However, at nanoscale, the properties of the
material may change abruptly.
A single blink of an eye is about
one-billionth of a year. An eye blink is
to a year what a nano-meter is to a
meter stick [2].
Fig.1. Stained glass
Even before this, way back during the Roman
period, a unique cup called as 'Lycurgus Cup' was
prepared using a similar technique. The cup is now
displayed at the British Museum, London. It
appears green when light is passed through it from
outside and red when it is illuminated from within
[1]. This miraculous display of colors, mentioned in
the above cases, is due to the presence of
extremely minute particles called as nanoparticles.
Fig.2: Lycurgus Cup. It turns red if illuminated from
within, and green when illuminated from outside.
Thus, knowingly or unknowingly, nanotechnology
has been in use for thousands of years. This article
gives a glimpse of its journey mentioning some
incidents of unintentional use of the nanotech
principles, milestones for the formal conceptua-
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Multiple phenomena are responsible for change of
physical properties of a material at nano-scale. The
change in color of metal particles as described in the
above section occurs due to a phenomenon called
as Plasmon resonance. It is caused by the unique
interaction of nanoparticles when they are exposed
to light.
III. How did it Evolve as a Science?
There is plenty of room at the bottom
This was the title of the talk given by the American
Physicist and Nobel laureate, Richard Feynman, in
1959 at an American Physical Society meeting. In the
talk, he presented the possibility of manipulation of
atoms or molecules. He also brought out the
possibility of building extremely tiny machines that
"arrange the atoms the way we want" and achieving
chemical synthesis through mechanical manipulation.
He also suggested that due to the extreme small
nature, various forces that act on molecules might act
differently. Forces like 'Gravity' may not retain their
importance, but forces like surface tension or Van
der Waal's force may have greater role to play. Van
der Waal's force is the relative force of attraction or
repulsion between two molecules. He also
presented ideas on building a very small robot for
carrying out surgeries, having dense computer
circuits to increase the computation power of
computers, and building a microscope that can be
used at a scale of molecules and atoms.
Origin of the term 'Nanotechnology'
Fullerenes and Carbon tubes
In 1974, Japanese scientist Norio Taniguchi coined
the term 'Nanotechnology' for the first time in a
conference while referring to a semiconductor
process at minute scale.
Carbon exists in different allotrope forms like
graphite, diamond etc. Fullerenes are also
allotropes of carbon. Richard Smalley, Robert Curl,
James Heath, Sean O'Brian and Harold Kroto at
Rice University discovered first fullerene molecule
in 1985. Spherical fullerenes resemble football in
appearance as shown in Figure 4. Fullerenes doped
with some elements form superconducting
materials. Fullerenes having cylindrical shapes are
called as carbon nanotubes. Cross-sectional view of
a carbon nanotube is shown in Figure 5. Due to their
unique physical properties, they are found very
useful in domains of material science and
electronics.
A quote from the book
'Engines of Creation: The Coming Era
of Nanotechnology':
“Arranged one way atoms make up
soil, air, and water; arranged another,
they make up ripe strawberries.
Arranged one way, they make up
homes and fresh air; arranged another,
they make up ash and smoke.”
In 1979, K. Eric Drexler came across Feynman's
talk 'There is plenty of room at the bottom'. In
1986, he wrote a book 'Engines of Creation: The
Coming Era of nanotechnology' [3] in which he
presented concept of second-generation nanomachines called as 'Assemblers'. He proposed that
these will serve as devices for assembling
molecular structures and will let us place atoms in
any reasonable arrangements allowed by basic
laws of nature. According to him, advancements in
the field of technology, medicine, computation,
production etc. will all depend on the ability to
rearrange atoms.
Fig.4. Spherical Fullerene, also called as 'Buckyballs'
In 1981, an instrument called as Scanning Tunneling
Microscope (STM) was build for taking images at
atomic scale. The creators, Gerd Binning and
Heinrich Rohrer got Nobel Prize in Physics in
1986. Its resolution of the order of 0.1nm enabled
scientists to observe and manipulate the materials
at atomic level. Figure 3 shows atoms of Silicon
observed using STM.
Fig.5. Spherical Fullerene, also called as
Carbon Nanotubes
Nano-tubes or Magical Wands?
Nano-tubes are found highly useful in
surprisingly distinct domains. They are
used in: high tensile strength fibres,
body-armours, replacement of muscle
tissues, tiny radios, solar cells, displays,
loud speakers, water filters, treatment
of cancer etc.
Fig.3. Silicon atoms as observed by STM
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
7
Around 1980, Nadrian Seeman from New York
University pioneered the concept of DNA
nanotechnology. A DNA Machine is a molecular
machine constructed from DNA. Molecular
machines are nothing but machines that produce
some physical or mechanical output at molecular
level based on the input. Such machines are
considered as an important step towards the
realization of 'assemblers', the molecular reassemblers conceptualized by K. Eric Drexler.
In 2001, Researchers at IBM successfully built the
first logic gate using carbon nano-tubes [4].
This achievement has opened the gates for
building sophisticated electronic devices using
nanotechnology. In 2003, Eric Drexler and Rice
University professor Richard Smalley engaged in a
debate on the feasibility of molecular reassembly
[5]. Drexler claimed that such reassembly is
possible through mechanical process where as
Smalley insisted on the chemical assembly part of
it. This debate is considered important in the sense
of realization of nano-techniques.
There have been numerous experiments that use
nanoparticles in different domains. For last few
decades, they have opened up a new area of
research for scientists from all over the world. This
article covers only few milestones in the history of
nanotechnology.
IV. Conclusion
Though scientifically formulated in 1980s,
nanotechnology has been prevalent for thousands
of years. Since the last few decades, however, there
have been numerous efforts that have contributed
to the evolution of nanotechnology as a modern
science. Considering its huge scope in futuristic
technologies, it will definitely progress at a much
faster pace in future.
References
[1] “History of Nano Timeline”,
DiscoverNANO, Northwestern University,
2005.
[2] Kim Duncan and Greta Zenner, “Cutting It
Down to Nano”, Program Guide,
University of Wisconsin-Madison Materials,
[3] K. Eric Drexler, “Engines of Creation:
Coming Era of Nanotechnology”, 1986.
ISBN No: 0-385-19973-2.
[4] V. Derycke, R. Martel, J. Appenzeller, and
Ph. Avouris, “Carbon Nanotube Inter- and
Intramolecular Logic Gates”, American
Chemical Society, 2001.
[5] Otavio Bueno, “The Drexler-Smalley
Debate on Nanotechnology”, HYLEInternational Journal for Philosophy of
Chemistry, Vol.10 (2004), pp. 83-88.
There's a nuclear scientist, a genetic engineer and a nanotechnologist all being
held at the barrel of a gun by a crazy man. The captor says he'll shoot all of
them unless they can convince him they are doing something good for the
world.
The nuclear scientist tries first, explaining that nuclear power is “clean, cheap,
and will solve climate change.” Unconvinced, his captor shoots him dead and
turns next to the nanotechnologist to plead his case.
Before he can say a word however, the genetic engineer intervenes. “No!” pleads
the genetic engineer “please shoot me first – I'd rather die than hear yet another
lecture on why nanotechnology is going to save the world!”
8
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Profile of a Scientist
Prof. Smalley was born in Akron, Ohio, on June 6,
1943. He earned his bachelor's degree from the
University of Michigan in 1965, and his Ph.D. from
Princeton University. He did his post-doc work at
the University of Chicago, where he developed the
molecule-cooling nozzle. After his post-doc,
Smalley joined the Rice University as an assistant
professor in chemistry in 1976. He was
instrumental in launching Rice's Quantum Institute
and the Center for Nanoscale Science and
Technology, and was cross-appointed as a
professor of physics in 1990. He was later named
to the rank of University Professor, Rice's highest
professorial distinction, in 2002.
Prof. Smalley's interest in science since his
childhood had many roots. Some came from his
mother who loved science, particularly, as a result
of her classes on the Foundations of Physical
Science taught by a brilliant mathematics professor
at the University of Kansas City, Dr. Norman N.
Royall, Jr. Prof. Smalley was influenced by this
professor indirectly, through hundreds of hours of
conversations at his mother's knees. It was from
his mother that he first learnt of Archimedes,
Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and
Darwin. He spent hours together with his mother,
collecting single-celled organisms from a local
pond and watching them with a microscope she
had received as a gift from his father.
His research at Princeton and Chicago started
changing the face of Molecular Physics. It was the
three articles that Prof. Smalley published, along
with Sir Harold Kroto and Robert F. Curl Jr., that
earned them their Nobel Prize in Chemistry in
1996. The first article was based on the discovery
of C60 molecule in the Nov. 14, 1985, issue of
Nature "C60: Buckminsterfullerene". The second
article described in detail the discovery of the
endohedral fullerenes in "Lanthanum Complexes
of Spheroidal Carbon Shells" in the Journal of the
American Chemical Society v. 107 p 7779 (1985).
The third one announced the discovery of the
fullerenes in "Reactivity of Large Carbon Clusters:
Spheroidal Carbon Shells and Their Possible
Relevance to the Formation and Morphology of
Soot" in the Journal of Physical Chemistry v. 90 p
525 (1986).
Prof. Richard “Rick” Errett Smalley
(1943 – 2005)
“Be a scientist, save the world”
Prof. Smalley was a fellow of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science, the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the
American Physical Society, and a member of the
National Academy of Sciences.
In his later years, Smalley was very outspoken about
the need for cheap, clean energy, which he
described as the number one problem facing
humanity in the 21st century. He felt that improved
science education was the key, and went to great
lengths to encourage young students to consider
careers in science. His slogan for this effort was "Be
a scientist, save the world."
Prof. Smalley died of leukemia on October 28,
2005, at the age of 62. He was a leading advocate of
nanotechnology and its many applications like its
use in creating strong but lightweight materials and
also its potential to fight cancer. The US Senate
passed a resolution to honor Smalley posthumously
crediting him as the “Father of Nanotechnology”.
Krishnan Kutty
Principal Scientist
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd,
Pune, India
Areas of Interest
Computer Vision,
Image Processing,
Pattern Recognition
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
9
10
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Applications of Nanotechnology
About the Author
Senior Research Associate,
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd.,
Pune, India.
Areas of Interest
Speech and Image processing
Tarun Kancharla
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
11
I. Introduction
Nanotechnology is becoming a buzzword in many
areas. From health to security and from
automotive to airplanes, the fields are replete with
many examples of applications.
Nanotechnology deals with the manipulation of
matter at near atomic level to produce new
materials, structures, systems and devices that
exhibit properties and phenomenon that are
unique at these scales. These materials are called
as nanotechnology materials or nanomaterials.
Nanomaterials have at least one dimension less
than 100nm which is 1/20th the size of a red blood
cells (2,000 nm) or 1/1000th the diameter of human
hair (100,000nm). The potential benefits of
miniaturization and unique properties of the
materials open the doors for possibilities of newer
technologies in diverse fields.
delivery systems that only target the diseased tissue
and not the surrounding healthy tissues.
Some diseases do not exhibit recognizable
symptoms until they are well advanced. Often,
earlier the disease is detected, the better the
benefits of treatment. Nanoparticles can be
attached to proteins or other molecules, allowing
detection of disease indicators in a lab sample at a
very early stage. Major effort is underway to
develop nanoparticle disease detection systems.
Nanoparticles are being developed so that they are
attracted to the diseased cells. This helps in
identifying and localizing the infected portion and
medication can be given in a localized manner so as
to target only the infected portion, keeping the
healthy portion unaffected. This process can
revolutionize the treatment of diseases like cancer.
Fig. 2 shows how cancer cells are treated using
nanotechnology.
Fig. 1 Nanoparticles are small enough to
enter a cell – National Cancer Institute [5]
While several nanomaterials are still in the process
of being developed and researched in various
laboratories in the world, some of these
nanomaterials are already being used in different
areas in the society. The following sections give a
brief overview of some of the applications of
nanotechnology.
II. Health Care
The first significant benefits of nanotechnology
would undoubtedly be seen in the health care area.
The driving force behind this prediction is that the
biological structures are within the size scale that
researchers are now able to manipulate and
control with the help of nanotechnology. Use of
nanotechnology benefits all the stages of
medication, it can be used to detect, diagnose and
treat a disease. Research is being carried out to
develop highly sensitive disease detectors and drug
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Fig. 2 Treatment of cancer cells using near
infrared light with the help of nanoshells–
National Cancer Institute [5]
For centuries, people have longed to escape their
short life spans, but all the attempts have met with
failure. Medical advances have chiefly reduced early
death but could not extend maximum life-span.
The current research in nanotechnology provides a
promising solution in this regard. Nanotechnology
can help in reproducing or repairing damaged tissue
[2]. “Tissue engineering” makes use of artificially
stimulated cell proliferation by using suitable
nonmaterial-based scaffolds and growth factors.
For example, bones can be re-grown on carbon
nanotube scaffolds. Tissue engineering might
replace today's conventional treatments like organ
transplants or artificial implants. Advanced forms of
tissue engineering may lead to life extension.
III. Energy
Nanotechnology has the potential to impact all the
stages of energy value chain. Research is being
done to improve the efficiency of generation,
distribution and storage of energy [3]. Researchers
at Rice University are developing wires that
contain carbon nanotubes. These wires have less
resistance than the conventional wires, which
helps in reducing the transmission losses. Richard
Smalley envisioned the use of nanotechnology to
radically change the electricity distribution grid.
Carbon nanotubes are being used to make
windmill blades that are stronger and lighter in
weight. These resulting longer blades increase the
amount of electricity generated by each windmill.
The commercially available solar cells have very
low efficiency of the order of 15-20%.
Nanotechnology is being used to increase the
efficiency and reduce cost of the solar cells. For
example, materials like Titanium dioxide
nanotubes filled with a polymer are being used to
produce low cost solar cells. Physicists from the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
have improved the performance of solar cells by
60 percent by coating the solar cells with a film of
1-nanometer thick silicon fluorescing
nanoparticles. Researchers at the Ohio State
University have developed a new technique that
reduces the cost of solar cells. A mixture of
ruthenium and titanium or zinc oxide particles is
used to absorb sunlight. Nanowires are implanted
in the cells, which serve as connection between
the cells on the panel and serve as the link for
power transfer. The solar cells developed by
researchers at the Ohio State University are
shown in Fig. 3.
Nanotechnology is being used to develop materials,
which can be used as catalysts in fuel cells thereby
reducing the cost of the fuel cells.
Silicon Nanoparticles have been shown to
dramatically expand the storage capacity of lithium
ion batteries without degrading the silicon during
the expansion/contraction cycle that occurs as
power is charged and discharged.
With further research in developing better and
efficient storage mechanisms and by using
renewable sources of energy like solar and wind,
the dependence on the fossil fuels can be greatly
reduced and we can step towards a future that is
sustained by “green energy”.
IV. Aerospace and Automotive
Lighter and stronger materials will be of immense
use to aircraft manufacturers, as they not only help
to protect the aircraft from external impacts but
also decrease the amount of fuel consumed. These
materials will also benefit spacecraft where weight
is a major factor. Nanotechnology would help to
reduce the size of equipment and there by decrease
fuel-consumption required to get it airborne [1].
Different areas in an aircraft like electronics, fuel
cells etc., can be improved using nanotechnology.
Fig. 4 shows the different areas in an aircraft.
Fig. 4 Nanotechnology will have a tremendous impact
on the aerospace and space flight industry by
affecting many different areas [6]
Lighter and stronger materials will also be useful for
creating vehicles that are both faster and safer. They
protect engine parts from wear and tear thereby
increasing the lifespan and efficiency [1].
Fig. 3 Solar cells made from nanotechnology by
researchers at Ohio State University [7]
MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)
techniques allow both electronic circuits and
mechanical devices to be manufactured onto a
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
13
single silicon microchip. NEMS (Nano Electro
Mechanical Systems) is the next miniaturized
version of MEMS. MEMS technology allows for the
miniaturization of the electronic components used
in aircrafts or vehicles. For example, MEMS
accelerometers have replaced the previously
bulky accelerometers used for air-bag deployment
in automobiles. Similarly, MEMS gyroscopes and
MEMS inertial sensors are being used in
automobiles and for consumer electronics. The
newer MEMS chips are both tiny and costeffective.
The basic areas where nanotechnology can benefit
automobiles are – lighter and stronger materials
for better safety of the passengers, improved and
miniaturized electronic systems, improved engine
and fuel efficiency, lower component failure, smart
materials for self-repair and greater service life.
V. Security
Advances in nanotechnology may play a critical
role in national security. They can aid military
personnel in detecting biological weapons.
Manufacturing of lighter and stronger materials can
be used to build armor to protect personnel and
military equipment.
With the increase in chemical and biological
weaponry over the decades, protection of civilians
is of primordial importance to any government.
Protection against these types of attacks depends
on the ability to detect and respond to the threats.
The ability of nanoparticles to operate at
molecular or atomic level provides significant
advantage in dealing with afore mentioned
circumstances. In health care, the nanosensors are
used to detect the infected/diseased area, the
same application can be used for defense purposes
to detect radioactive materials or biological
weapons like anthrax.
Nanotechnology can be used to produce lighter
and smaller autonomous vehicles (robots) for
reconnaissance, surveillance and communication.
Nanotechnology ultimately raises the prospect of
microscopic mobile robots that can be used for
surveillance or in war [4].
VI. Other Applications
Nanotechnology has been used in various
industries like cosmetics, textiles, food processing,
construction, electronics, communication etc.
14
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
A sunscreen based on mineral nanoparticles such
as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide offer several
advantages. These nanoparticles have a
comparable UV protection property and are
transparent in appearance thereby avoiding the
undesirable whitening, which comes with other
sunscreens.
Clothes that are water and stain resistant and
wrinkle free can be manufactured using
nanotechnology. Nanosensors are being weaved
along with the clothes that can be used to monitor
a person's health.
The most prominent application of
nanotechnology in the household is self-cleaning or
easy-to-clean surfaces on ceramics or glasses.
Nano ceramic particles have improved the
smoothness and heat resistance of common
household equipment.
Nanotechnology can be applied in the production,
processing, safety and packaging of food. A
nanocomposite coating process could improve
food packaging by placing anti-microbial agents
directly on the surface of the coated film.
Summary
With nanotechnology, the products obtained will
be cheaper and more efficient. Further advances in
usage of nanotechnology and developing new
nanomaterials may provide solutions to problems
that would not have been thought to be possible a
couple of decades ago.
The ability to manipulate matter at molecular level
offers nanotechnology endless possibilities and we
may be seeing just the tip of the iceberg now. This
article gives a brief introduction to applications of
nanotechnology in some of the major fields. The
more is yet to come. After all, who has seen the
future?
References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nanotechnology_applications
[2] K.Eric Drexler, “Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of
Nanotechnology,” Anchor Books, 1986.
[3] Steve Gillett, “Nanotechnology for Clean Energy and Resources,”
White paper in Foresight Institute, October 2002.
[4] Altmann J, Gubrud MA, “Military arms control and security aspects
of nanotechnology,” Baird D, Nordmann A, Schummer J (eds)
Discovering the nanoscale, Amsterdam: IOS Press, pp
269–277, 2004.
[5] http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding
cancer/nanodevices
[6] http://nanopedia.case.edu/NWPage.php?page=aerospace
[7] http://www.ecofriend.com/entry/nanotechnology-helps-better-thecolor-and-cost-of-solar-cells/
Book Review
Mechanics of Patent Claim Drafting
An invention can be protected by filing a patent application.
The patent application is a legal document in a predefined
format describing your invention in detail. The most
important section of the patent application is claims, which
define the boundaries of protection granted by a patent. In
patent infringement litigation, the first phase of trial is
generally of claim construction wherein the meaning and
scope of each word in a claim is defined. Many patent cases
may be won or lost based upon claim construction rulings.
One such interesting case is Altair Engineering vs.
LEDdynamics. Altair Engineering sued LEDdynamics for
infringing their patent claiming an LED light fixture. The
claim of subject patent included a term “closely spaced”
which was contested in the trial. Altair Engineering had not
sufficiently defined the term “closely spaced” in the claim
and the description of the patent. This resulted into
different interpretations of the term based on which Altair
engineering lost the case. Thus, well drafted claims are the
backbone of a patent application and patent enforcement.
Drafting a patent application is an art and drafting the claim
section of the patent application, which is the legal heart of
a patent application, requires a lot of knowledge and skill.
The book, 'Mechanics of Patent Claim Drafting', by John L.
Landis is one of the basic books which provide the reader
with a complete insight into the art of claim drafting. The
book discusses at length how to draft quality claims which
will satisfy the requirements of the United States Patent
Office.
The book begins with discussion on the basic principles of
claim drafting which includes information on statutory
provisions and the claim forms and formats in general. It
provides details about the claim structure, claim language,
parts of a claim, claim placement, claim numbering and
claim order. Different types of claim and claim structure is
used for different types of invention. The book discusses
various types of claims in thorough details. Individual
chapters are dedicated to apparatus or machine claims,
method or process claims, article of manufacture claim,
composition of matter (chemical) claims and claims for
biotechnology inventions. Each of these chapters explains
the claim elements, the claim limitations and the types of
inventions covered for each of these claim types.
MECHANICS OF
PATENT CLAIM
DRAFTING
John L. Landis
balance between a broad claim and a narrow claim.
Causes for which a claim may be rejected, like duplicate
claiming, undue multiplicity, over claiming,
incompleteness, etc. are discussed in the section of nonart rejection. Finally, the book concludes with thoughts
on claim writing, wherein all the information is precisely
summarized. With sufficient examples and a simple
language, the complicated task of claim drafting has been
explained in an easy manner by the author.
The book serves as a basic tool for patent practitioners to
draft healthy patent applications. Although the book is
heavy for a first-time reader, it is a must read before you
attempt to draft a patent application. If you are an
inventor for a patent application and you wish to know
why the claims in your patent application seem as they
seem to be- complicated and confusing- this book will
surely provide you the required insight. The 1970 edition
of 'Mechanics of Patent Claim Drafting' published by the
Practicing Law Institute is the original reference. The
versions that have been revised with collaboration of
various other authors are available in different editions
under the title of 'Landis on Mechanics of Patent Claim
Drafting'.
About the Author
Pranjali Modak
Senior Research Associate
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd,
Pune, India
Areas of Interest
Intellectual Property Rights,
Patents
The latter part of the book talks about claims of varying
scope, wherein the importance of the scope of a claim is
discussed. A claim should not be too broad or too narrow.
This section helps you understand how to achieve the finer
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Automotive Applications of
Nanotechnology: Sensors
About the Authors
Research Associate,
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd., Pune, India.
Areas of Interest
Image Processing, Embedded systems
Swati Ojha
Senior Research Associate,
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd., Pune, India.
Areas of Interest
Computer Vision,
Digital Signal Processing
Reenakumari Behera
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
17
Introduction:
Sensors are devices that convert a physical
parameter to a signal that can be measured
electrically. Once the physical parameter has been
converted to an electrical equivalent, it can be
easily used as an input to a computer or
microprocessor for manipulating, analyzing and
displaying. Most commonly used sensors are
pressure, temperature, position, speed etc. Unlike
the bulky and expensive traditional sensors, the
Figure 3:
Structure of SWNTs
[10]
Figure 4:
Structure of MWNTs
[11]
new age, miniscule nano sensors can help lower
materials cost, weight, and power consumption in
CNTs have a complex structure where each of their
manufacturing processes. The automotive market
atoms is attached to its neighbors with a sp2
is one of the important application segments of
nano sensors as shown in figure 1.
bonding similar to a graphite atom. They form a
sequence of layers when seen together. CNTs have
many advantages over other materials due to their
small size, high strength, high electrical and thermal
conductivity, and high specific area. Therefore, they
are extensively used as the sensing material in
pressure, thermal, gas, optical, position, and
biological sensors. Due to the need to improve
performance, reduce cost, and improve reliability,
nano sensors have a substantial utility in the
automotive industry [2]. Some of the important
applications are described below:
Figure 1: Automotive applications of nano sensors [9]
1. Pressure Sensing:
Carbon Nanotube (CNT):
Carbon Nanotube (CNT) is gaining popularity as
new functional structures in micro and nano
systems .CNTs are hexagonal networks of carbon
atoms of approximately 1 nm diameter and 1 to
100 microns of length. They can essentially be
thought of as a layer of graphite rolled-up into a
cylinder. Depending on the arrangement of their
graphene cylinders, there are two types of nano
tubes: single-walled nano tubes (SWNTs) and
multi-walled nano tubes (MWNTs) [2]. SWNT has
only one single layer of graphene cylinders; while
MWNTs have many layers (approximately 50), as
shown in Figure 3 and 4.
18
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
In vehicles, pressure sensors are used for many
applications and their location varies accordingly.
Pressure sensor can be used to determine when an
air filter is dirty. This can be done by measuring the
pressure difference between the air at the filter
intake and air on the other side of the diaphragm.
They can also be used to calculate mass airflow rate,
engine speed and air temperature by measuring the
pressure from intake fold [2]. The pressure sensor
devices used in tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) can be installed inside the tire (internal
sensor) or mounted on the valve stem (external
sensor). Internal sensors have to be fitted to the
wheel rim as shown in figure 5.
system's current state of operation. The two
systems of the vehicle that are primary users of
temperature sensors are:
l Engine/power train management system
l Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system.
The most common applications of temperature
sensors are sensors for measuring coolant
Figure 5: TPMS sensing module [12]
The sensors measure the pressure in each tire and
transmit the data wirelessly to a central receiver in
the vehicle, which analyzes the information and
displays it to the driver. The information varies
from simple warning lights when pressure gets too
low, to readouts of pressure measurements. Some
temperature, intake air temperature, transmission
oil temperature and, cylinder head temperature
The coolant temperature sensor measures the
temperature of the coolant and interfaces with the
electronic control module (ECM). An ECM, also
known as power-train control module (PCM) is a
systems may also include pressure information
type of electronic control unit that determines the
about the spare tire.
amount of fuel, ignition timing and other
parameters that an internal combustion engine
needs to keep running. The coolant temperature
sensor provides feedback to the ECM regarding the
temperature of the coolant at a single point on the
engine. Similarly, the cylinder head temperature
sensor provides the temperature of the metal at a
single point on the engine. Using this temperature
data and previous engine calibration information,
Figure 6: Schematic of a CNT based pressure sensor.
[4]
CNT based pressure sensor is shown in figure
6.The sensor is made of a double layer membrane
of 70nm SiO2 and 70nm of Al2O3. The SWNT is
embedded between the two layers and contacted
by a source and a drain metal electrode. A nearby
the ECM controls the operation of the engine
management system to achieve optimal engine
control. Engine intake air temperature is also a key
temperature used by the ECM. Similar to the
coolant sensor, this sensor also interfaces with the
ECM. Most temperature sensors on vehicles are
located underneath near the front bumper bar [6].
gate electrode (not shown) is used to bias the
SWNT in a transistor configuration. The top and
bottom oxide layers are used to encapsulate the
SWNTs to protect them from the environment [4].
2. Temperature Sensing:
Temperature sensors provide a key parameter to
the electronic module to enable feedback of the
Figure 7: Design of a CNT based temperature sensor.
[7]
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
19
Design of CNT based temperature sensor is
absorption spectra. Most gases can be detected by
shown in figure 7. This design consists of using a
measuring their absorption at particular
CNT network patterned on a suitable substrate
frequencies of IR.
with metal electrodes lithographically patterned
There are certain basic components common to all
on either ends of the CNT network. The CNT
IR gas sensors: an IR source, an IR detector, a means
network would be the resistive element of the
to select appropriate wavelengths and a sample cell.
device that can be correlated to the temperature
The simple sensing setup is shown in Figure 10.
change of the sensing environment [7].
3. Air Quality Monitoring:
Vehicle cabins commonly show concentrations of
toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrocarbons (HC), volatile organic compounds
(VOC), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) higher than
safety limits.
Air pollution in vehicle cabins is usually generated
by the following scenarios:
l Pollutant gases entering the vehicle via the
ventilation system.
l Lack of fresh airflow resulting in low O2 and high
Figure 10: Simplified diagram of a single beam
IR absorption gas sensor. [1]
The setup has IR source at one end and IR detector
at the other end. The band pass optical filter
corresponds with the absorption wavelength of the
gas being measured. As the concentration of gas
being measured increases, the output signal from
the sensor reduces due to more absorption of IR by
the gas molecules.
CO2 concentrations.
l Pollutant gases entering from the external
Advances in nano-robotic manipulation systems
environment via window openings, imperfect
have allowed the recent development of a new
seals and other holes.
single CNT-based nano-infrared detector. The
design of an individual (SWNT) Single Wall Nano
Tube-based IR detector is illustrated in Figure 11. It
consists of a pair of electrodes bridged by a single
nano tube. The characteristics of CNTs can change
with diameter and angle of carbon atom pattern,
which makes them sensitive to infrared radiation.
The CNT based IR nano sensor has potential to
replace conventional IR sensor due to their
compact size and fast response time [8].
Figure 8: An overview of a typical HVAC system. [1]
Figure 8 shows overview of a typical HVAC
(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
system. Infra red (IR) based sensors are suited for
air quality monitoring applications since they are
physically small, consume low power, are selective
and are rapidly reducing in cost. IR based gas
sensors identify gases by analyzing their unique IR
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Figure 11: Diagram of an individual SWNT-based IR sensor [8]
Future Scope:
Nano sensor applications have the potential to re-
References
[1]
Kosmas Galatsis, Wojtek Wlodarski,”Car
define the automotive industry. Vehicle dynamic
Cabin Air Quality Sensors and Systems",
control (VDC), rollover detection and antitheft
Encyclopedia of Sensors Vol. X, pp. 1–11,
systems are other important areas where CNTbased sensors can be potentially applied. It is
[2]
expected that many applications of CNT-based
sensors will be explored in future as the interest of
the nanotechnology research community in this
[3]
field increases. The future cars based on
nanotechnology will be lighter, stronger, faster,
safer, and more intelligent than the driver and eco
friendly.
[4]
Conclusion:
Automotive industry has been greatly influenced
[5]
by nanotechnology and the fundamentally new
capabilities offered by it. CNTs play a major role in
the advancement of nanotechnology in various
applications. The exceptional properties of CNT
allow them to be used in sensors, which help in
[6]
increasing the sensitivity and dynamic range of
sensors. Nano sensors are used to acquire
[7]
information about vehicle parameters such as
pressure, vehicle altitudes, temperature, heat,
humidity, speed, exhaust gas, engine knock and
[8]
torque apart from enabling new desirable features.
CNT-based sensors are replacing old technologies
with cheaper and more reliable devices.
[9]
2006.
Niraj Sinha, Jiazhi Ma, and John T. W.
Yeow,” Carbon Nanotube-Based Sensors”,
Journal of Nano science and
Nanotechnology Vol.6, pp. 573–590, 2006.
Christofer Hierold, Thomas Helbling,
Cosmin Roman1,Lukas Durrer1, Alain
Jungen and Christoph Stampfer, ”CNT
Based Sensors”, Advances in Science and
Technology Vol. 54, pp. 343-349, 2006.
T. Helbling, S. Drittenbass, L. Durrer, C.
Roman, and C. Hierold, ”Ultra Small Single
Walled Carbon Nanotube Pressure
Sensors”, IEEE 22nd International
Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical
Systems, pp. 575 - 578, 2009.
David Eddy and Douglas Spanks,
“Application of MEMS Technology in
Automotive Sensors and Actuators”,
Proceedings of the 1998 International
Symposium on Micro mechatronics and
Human Science, pp. 9-15, 1998.
Nasser Y. El-Awar, David J. Geer,Theodore J.
Krellner and Peter J. Straub, ”Automotive
Temperature Sensing”, 1999.
Brendan Crawford,Dan Esposito,Vishal Jain
and David Pelletier, ”Flexible Carbon
Nanotube Based Temperature Sensor for
Ultra-Small-Site Applications”, 2008.
Jiangbo Zhang,Ning Xi and King Lai, ”Single
carbon nano tube infrared detectors”,
2007.
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=
18972.php
Trivia
[10] http://nano.cancer.gov/objects/img_news/
l The prefix "nano" comes from a ...
[11] http://www.topnews.in/usa/files/ multiwall.jpg
'Greek word meaning dwarf',
Mf0601_single-walled.jpg
[12] www.memagazine.org/.../features/
pumpedup/36a.jpg
l How many oxygen atoms lined up in a row
would fit in a one nanometer space?
'Seven'. The diameter of one oxygen atom
is approximately 0.14 nanometers
other words: 100,000 nanometers. Let's assume
l If you were to shrink yourself down until
the average height of a person to be 1.7 meters. If
you were only a nanometer tall, how thick
this person is shrunk to be only 1 nanometer tall,
would a sheet of paper appear to you?
the thickness of a sheet of paper would be 100,000
The answer is: 170 kilometers. An average
times taller and therefore appear to be 170 km
sheet of paper is approx. 0.1 mm thick; in
thick.
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
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22
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Applications of Nanotechnology:
Body and Chassis, Comfort,
and Emission Systems
About the Author
Research Trainee,
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd., Pune, India
Areas of interest
High Performance Computing
Ashish Waykar
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
23
Introduction:
The United Nations estimates that the number of
vehicles will double from 750 million to 1.5 billion
by 2030. With such a rapid growth in the
automotive market across BRICK countries,
questions concerning safety, intelligent traffic
guidance systems, pollutant reduction and
effective recycling are becoming more urgent.
Therefore, companies and research institutes are
focusing their research and development efforts
more on adapting the safety, comfort and ecofriendliness of the automobile to future needs.
Materials with nanoparticles or layers at nanoscale
are very useful in this respect, to ensure safety of
drivers against car crashes and accidents. They are
used on inner and outer surfaces of the car body as
well as on the engine and drive.
cars is increasing. The world's largest steel maker,
ArcelorMittal, is developing a new kind of steel that
is as light as aluminum and costs less too.
A possible way to produce such high-strength steels
is using nanotechnologies. Nano steel is stable and
inexpensive steel [1]. Currently, high-strength steel
alloys are developed using dispersion hardening
which involves uniform distribution of fine particles
over the entire matrix. This process is too
expensive to be used for mass production. Japanese
scientists observed that use of 0.002 per cent of
finely dispersed carbon could increase the stability
of the steel significantly. Strength of steel can also be
increased by using embedded nanoparticles of
metallic carbon nitride.
1.2 Nano coating for car paint:
1. Body and Chassis
Car body and chassis are important parts in car
manufacturing. Safety of the road users is a prime
objective for the development of nanostructured
materials and substances. At the same time, highstrength, light weight and flexible nanostructured
car body parts can be used to increase the
performance. Apart from safety and performance,
appearance of car i.e. paint and coating are also
significant factors. For the supplier industry, the
aspects relating to the production technology will
be the most interesting in the near future.
1.1 Nano steel:
Figure : 2 Nano coating.
Source: Matallurgy for dummies
Nano coatings consist of very small particles due to
which it acquires unique properties like flexibility,
quick adhesion and resistance to corrosion and
microbial growth. Such coatings could keep the car
body from getting scratches and reduce adhesion of
dirt and dead bugs. Nano coating is cheaper, easier
to apply and more environment friendly than
substances currently in use. The use of such
coatings could potentially change the manufacturing
process radically.
As shown in figure 2, nano coating is used in cars
because of following reasons:
Figure : 1 Nano steel
Source: www.automotivetrends.info
Steel is most important material in car body
construction. However, in recent times the
demand to develop lighter and stronger steel for
24
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
1. The better grip of polymer on the surface
(substrate) does not allow another substance or
element to break through the coating.
2. Since nano coating particle size is typically less
than 100 nanometers, it fills micro-size pits in glossy
surfaces and improves the gloss.
3. Nano-particle UV inhibitors are perfectly clear,
yet they absorb UV light energy.
Nano-coating for car paint consists of twocomponent mixture based on nanotechnology.
Aqueous and oily liquids transporting
contaminants are simply repelled surfaces. Paints
manufactured based on nanotechnology are being
used on Mercedes E, S, CL, SL and SLK models in
metallic and non-metallic finishes.
Figure : 4 Nano-Rim
Source: www.nanodetailing.com
1.3 Nano Wiper - Invisible Wiper
2. Comfort
Driving during heavy rain is dangerous because of
Comfort is a sense of physical or psychological ease.
Comfort is also particularly related to healthcare.
Often, car drivers experience problems while
sitting in the car, which are aggravated by spending
long days behind the wheel. Here, not only comfort
but also safety is an important aspect. In
automobiles, comfort could mean having desirable
features for the car interior, like, anti-glare, antireflection coating on dashboard and windshield,
dirt-repellent seats, fragrance in cabin, and air
filters. Let us look at a few applications of
nanotechnology for improving comfort of the car.
poor visibility due to raindrops on the windshield
and water sprayed by wheels of other vehicles.
This problem of limited view led to the invention of
permanent hydrophobic nano-coating for glass
surfaces, by German scientists. Example of a
hydrophobic surface observed in nature is a lotus
leaf surface that is extremely difficult to wet.
NANOPROTECT.co.uk, in collaboration with
German scientists, came up with a solution called
Nano-Wiper, which is a ready-to-use set that
modifies the glass into super-hydrophobic surface
(Figure 3). Use of such windscreens causes
raindrops to fall away, leaving the surface dry [2].
Figure : 3 Invisible Wiper
Source: Matallurgy for dummies
1.4 Nano Rim - Rim Sealant
Nano Rim Sealant is developed based on
nanotechnology, which is being used for vehicle
wheels and rims coating. Its microscopic nano
particles create a long-lasting, invisible film on
surfaces that repel water and oil, reduce the
adhesion of dirt, dust and other contaminants.
Nano-coating modifies surface to be smoother
that makes them easy to clean [3].
2.1 Anti-glare and anti-reflective
coatings
Glare and reflection is a major problem while
driving, since it affects the visibility. A surface
coating at nanometer scale can directly influence
the behavior of light incident onto a transparent
material. Anti-glare deals with external sources like
bright sunlight, reflecting off a surface, while antireflection deals with both internal and external
sources.
Anti-glare mechanism uses diffusion to break up the
reflected light off the surface. Thereby the visibility
improves, which is particularly noticeable while
driving at night.
Nano-structuring of the surface results in a
refraction index gradient moving from the outside
to the inside, so that light waves are practically not
reflected. This kind of coating can be used on
dashboard, front and rear windshield, mirror [4] .
2.2 Car seats:
Figure : 5 fiber with and without anti adhesion coating
Source: http://en.percenta.com
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
25
When the door or window of a car is opened,
raindrops or snow may fall onto the seats causing
water and dirt stains. These unwanted effects can
be minimized or even avoided completely by using
specific materials of fabric and leather coverings.
Nano textile and leather is such a material that
surrounds every fiber with an anti adhesion
coating. As a result, dry dirt does not stick to the
material and the liquid cannot be soaked up by the
Fuel additive is used as a catalyst for combustion
reaction that reduces formation of soot, tar and
clinker ensuring complete combustion at lower
excess air. This improves fuel utilization and overall
combustion efficiency. Nano fuel additives such as
F2-21, EeFuel are non-toxic and non-fossil and
increase mileage by 10% to 20%. They increase the
vaporization of the fuel and serve as a catalytic agent
to increase the amount of fuel burnt as well as to
stabilize its burn rate.
fibers.
3.2 Nanocrystalline Coatings for
Friction Reduction
2.3 Fragrance in cabin
It is observed that approximately 10-15% of the
fuel consumption is due to engine friction. It is
caused due to interaction between multiple moving
parts. Nanotechnology can be applied for reducing
this friction. Reduction in friction can be achieved by
improvement in material used in mechanical part
and lubricants. Nano-crystalline coatings that are
applied on the cylinder wall reduce friction and
abrasion and thus fuel consumption.
Imagine, getting some good fragrance when we
open the car door. Car-interior contains hundreds
of different chemicals like paints and solvents,
adhesives. This is one good application of
nanotechnology making it possible to produce
purer and completely natural perfume
compounds. This can be achieved by using
nanoparticles such as gold-palladium that can
replace expensive and potentially toxic reagents
that promote oxidation of aromatic primary
alcohols to aldehydes. Another nano encapsulation procedure proposes the use of
nanoparticles coated in natural enzymes in the
process of manufacturing expensive perfume
compounds.
2.4 Nanofilters for clean air in the
interior of the car
Filtration of particles and gaseous pollutants are
essential for the improvement of the air quality
inside the car. Nanofilter such as Novel filters
covered with nanofibers significantly reduces the
pollutant emissions in passenger and utility
vehicles. Since the fibers are in the nanometer
range, they cause lower air resistance. Therefore,
energy is saved and the air can be transported
almost without any loss of pressure.
3. Emission System
Emission refers to combustion of fuel.
Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of
nitrogen are created during the combustion
process and are emitted into the atmosphere.
Thus, the need to control the emissions from
automobiles gave rise to the nanotechnology in
emission system. Nanotechnology can be used as
fuel additive, catalyst, for minimization of engine
friction by new nano layer systems that will result
in fuel savings in future.
26
3.1 Fuel Additive
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Industrial Research
DaimlerChrysler AG has started the research
project called NaCoLab together with other
partners from the industry and universities. This
project falls within the framework of the lead
innovation project Nanomobil of the BMBF
(Federal Ministry of Education and Research). Main
objective of NaCoLab is to develop
'Nanocrystalline composite coatings for cylinder
tracks with nanostructured surface and abrasion
prediction for highly stressed petrol and diesel
engines' which provide direct coating to the tracks
of the aluminum crankcase with nano materials.
Coating materials with embedded nanocrystals of
sizes from 60 nm to 130 nm on the basis of iron
carbide and boride result in extremely hard surfaces
with low friction properties. [6]
Conclusion:
Nanotechnology in cars is getting a lot of attention
due to their improved efficiency and low
environmental effects. Nanotechnology provides
good applications for safety, pollutant reduction and
comfort in car. However, they have not yet been
adopted in large scale. Researchers worldwide are
up to the challenge and new research promises to
bring exciting future.
References:
[1]
http://www.autoblog.com
[2]
http://www.nanoprotect.co.uk/nano-for-car.html
[3]
http://www.tspinc.com/antiglarevantireflec
[4]
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/4229510
[5]
http://www.automotivetrends.info
[6]
Nanotechnologies in Automobiles Innovation Potentials in Hesse for the Automotive Industry
and its subcontractor
CROSSWORD
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Across
Down
1
One billionth of a meter (9)
1
3
A small group or bunch (7)
7
One of the scientific advancements helps
2
Centre of an atom (7)
speed up reactions (8)
3
Internal framework that supports manmade
8
9
The world of very tiny things such as atoms
and molecules (14)
Atoms arranged in a long thin cylindrical
objects (7)
structure (9)
4
Insulator at nanoscale (7)
The scale/size at which nanotechnology is
5
Home of a nanotechnology research centre at
worked upon (6)
a university in the UK (7)
6
Wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting
passengers/ goods (10)
*Solution on page No. 33
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
27
28
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Automotive Applications of
Nanotechnology:
Memory, Electronic Components,
and Displays
About the Author
Jr. Scientist,
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd.,
Pune, India
Areas of interest
Image processing, Embedded Systems
Vaishnavi Poharkar
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
29
In recent years, research and development activity
resistance
in nano scale related technologies has started on a
l Metal alloys with greater mechanical strength
large scale. The National Science Foundation has
l Automotive sensors with nano-sensing
predicted $1 trillion nanotechnology related
products in the market
by 2015 [1]. The
automotive industry is an early taker of
nanotechnologies. Automotive manufacturers use
the new technologies to offer cost-effective
improvements in vehicle performance to meet
consumer needs . At the same time, they are also
elements
l Electrical switching with CNT transistors,
quantum transistors, nano-electro-mechanical
switches, electron-emission amplification, and
more efficient solar cells
Few areas like memory and logic, electronic
components and display technology, in which the
looking to meet the stricter legislation regarding
automotive sector is expected to benefit from the
emissions and safety. Most of the current
use of nanomaterials are discussed below.
applications represent progressive developments
of existing technologies for the reduction in size of
systems.
Memory and Logic:
Recent developments in low cost reprogrammable
memory technologies add to flexibility,
Nanotechnology now offers automotive industry,
serviceability, customization and intelligence of
with improved lubricants, lightweight fuel cells,
electronic subsystems. These features will add a
catalysts, nanoporous filters, self-cleaning
great value to the future of automobiles. UV-
windshields, self-repairing and color changing
erasable EPROM's, electrically erasable EEPROM's,
paints, corrosion protection and lighter and
and related Flash erasable EEPROM's are
stronger structural materials, for the car of the
revolutionizing what is known as 'powertrain' in a
future. Figure 2 shows the automotive applications
vehicle. Powertrain refers to the components that
of nanotechnology.
generate power viz. the engine, transmission, drive
shafts, differentials, and the drive wheels, etc and
embedded controller applications. They are useful
in safety, driver information, and comfort
applications [3].
A nanotech device, three-dimensional (3D)
memory, has been developed by BeSang Inc.. The
use of a 3D memory in the processor reduces the
size, memory power consumption and ensures
faster processing. In this technology, a memory core
is stacked on the top of the logic layer within a
semiconductor device. In the first step, it combines
Figure 2. Automotive applications of nanotechnology
separate logic and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers.
In the second step, it enables 3D design by using a
Some of the potential automotive
applications of nanotechnology:
flip-chip process. In the next step, it uses metal
bonding to combine memory and logic devices. This
single-chip, high-density 3D technology provides a
l Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and
appearance properties for plastics
l Joining interfaces for improved crack
30
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
low-cost, high-speed vertical memory solution for
the semiconductor industry.
The main memory of computers is made from
band (in eV, electron volts). Figure 3 shows the
DRAM related devices. DRAM is a series of
material classification using energy gap. The band
capacitors. It stores data as the electrical charge.
Each capacitor and its control circuitry, is called as a
cell. It holds one bit, and bits can be read or
written in large blocks at the same time. By using
nanotechnology, IBM is developing a memory
device known as Millipede. It is a non volatile
computer memory. It gives a data density of more
gap is absent in conductors, in insulators it is > 5eV
and semiconductors this is around ~ 1eV.If the
difference in energy between the highest valence
band and the lowest conduction band is more, then
more energy is needed to excite the 'quantum dot' –
a semiconductor. More energy is released when the
crystal returns to its rest state.
than 1 terabit per square inch. It connects microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology
to mark ones and zeroes into a soft polymer. It
looks similar to a comb-like cantilever or the multilegged 'millipede' insect. With this millipede-like
cantilever technology, it will be possible to achieve
information densities that will be measured in the
hundreds of gigabits per square inch.
Electronic Components:
Figure 3.Classification of materials using energy gap
Nano-wires made from silicon, gallium nitride and
indium phosphide have shown remarkable optical,
The main advantage is that, with the high level of
electronic and magnetic features. For example,
control over the size of the crystals, it is possible to
silica nano-wires have potential applications in
have defined control over the conductive
electronic and opto-electronic nanodevices. They
properties of the material [5]. In electronic
are used as metallic interconnect because they can
applications quantum dot operates like a single-
turn around very tight at corners. Take the
electron transistor and is being researched for use
example of the computer/electronics industry.
in transistors, solar cells, LEDs and diode lasers.
The first transistors were over 1 centimeter in
size; the smallest transistors today are less than 30
Quantum dot increases the efficiency and reduce
nanometers long, i.e. over three hundred
the cost of today's typical silicon photovoltaic cells.
thousand times smaller. So today's advanced
Today's photovoltaic cells can only manage one
semiconductor manufacturing is already well into
exciton (An exciton is a bound state of an electron-
the nano-area; reaching a gradual miniaturization
hole pair within characteristic length) per high-
of electronic components. Nano-layers of
energy photon, with high kinetic energy carriers
semiconducting materials provide high efficiency
losing their energy as heat. The quantum dots of
electronic components and systems with a longer
lead selenide can produce as many as seven
lifetime.
excitons from one high energy photon of sunlight.
The electronic characteristics of a material are
advantages such as lower costs, clean power
In the future nanocrystal photovoltaics may offer
closely related to the size and shape of the
generation [5] and could boost the efficiency of
individual crystal. As the size of the crystal
photovoltaic cells to 65%.
decreases, the band gap becomes larger. The band
gap generally refers to the energy difference
Displays:
between the valence band and the conduction
As there is a huge market for displays with large
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
31
in television
However, it may pose adverse environmental,
screens and computer monitors, the development
area, high brightness, flat-panel
health and safety effects [8]. The carbon nanotubes
of some nanomaterials is on the rise. For making
are used in commercial electronics, but disposal can
light-emitting phosphors, Nanocrystalline zinc
lead to emission. The production using
selenide, zinc sulphide, cadmium sulphide and lead
nanotechnology often produces by products that
telluride are synthesized by sol–gel techniques.
cannot be used. If the production is not suitably,
This is a process for making ceramic and glass
planned, large quantities of nanoparticles could be
materials in which there is a transition from a liquid
emitted in wastewater and exhaust gasses, which
'sol' phase to a solid 'gel' phase. Nanotechnology is
would cause pollution. The single-walled (SWCNT)
used to improve the visual quality of today's LCDs
and multi-walled (MWCNT) carbon nano-tubes are
by offering extremely thin screens [6].
non-biodegradable [9]. Merging green chemistry
Carbon nanotube technology (CNT) is being
these challenges in the development of novel nano-
and nano-science will give opportunities to meet
explored for low voltage field-emission displays. .
devices. Green nanotechnology is the development
Such displays are lightweight, consume low power
of clean technologies.
and have excellent viewing characteristics. Carbon
nanotubes are lengthened tubes of rolled
Conclusion
graphene sheets. They are very stiff, elastic about
their axis, and good conductor of electricity. All
What we are dealing with today is most emerging
these properties make CNTs potentially very
field nanotechnology. The goal of this evolutionary
efficient and long-lasting emitters in applications
nanotechnology is to improve existing processes,
like nano-electronics.
materials and applications by scaling down to the
A quantum dot display is a type of light emitting
surface phenomena that exhibit at the nanoscale.
nano size. It exploits the unique quantum and
technology. QDs emit light in very specific
This trend is adopted by the companies to improve
Gaussian distributions. It shows a bright emission
existing products by creating smaller components
in the visible and near infrared region of the
and better performance materials, all at a lower
spectrum. Therefore, they can be incorporated
cost. In the future, this new manufacturing
into a new generation of applications such as flat-
technology will develop lightweight, strong, smart,
panel TV screens, digital cameras, mobile phones,
and durable products. Like, nanomaterials in
personal gaming equipment and PDAs [4]. QDs
automotive technologies will help to reduce the
are both photoactive (photo luminescent) and
weight of vehicle, improve performance of engine,
electro-active (electroluminescent). They can be
improve exhaust emission control, improve fuel
readily incorporated into new emissive display
saving, reduce the vehicle vibration and enhance
architectures.
driver safety, increase vehicle control, increase
Displays with improved performance and unique
exploring the technology, make sure the technology
vehicle security, and enhance driver comfort. While
features are made possible by nanotechnology.
would be pollution free technology with planned
Additionally, lower cost light emission sources,
byproducts.
such as lasers are possible in the near future.
As summarized above, Nanotechnology has
promising potential for use in commercial,
automotive, defense and security applications [7].
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
References
1.
Journal of Nanoparticle Research, Kluwer Academic Publ., Vol. 3, No. 5-6, pp. 353-360, 2001
(based on the presentation at the symposium Global Nanotechnology networking, International
Union of Materials Meeting, August 28, 2001)
2.
Juliano Fujioka Mologni - Delphi Corp., Unicamp, Frank Kenji Goto - Delphi Corp., Didimo
Garcia Neto - Delphi Corp.. : Potential Nanotechnology Applications on Automotive Electrical /
Electronic Architecture. Date Published: 2008-10-07. Paper Number: 2008-36-0045. DOI:
10.4271/2008-36-0045
3.
Pradeep Shah - Texas Instruments, Gregory Armstrong - Texas Instruments. : Programmable
Memory Trends in the Automotive Industry. Date Published: 1990-10-01. Paper Number:
901133. DOI: 10.4271/901133
4.
Belle Dumé. : Quantum-dot displays could outshine their rivals. New Scientist, 10 December
2007
5.
Ilan Gur, Neil A. Fromer, Michael L. Geier, and A. Paul Alivisatos, (2005).: "Air-Stable AllInorganic Nanocrystal Solar Cells Processed from Solution". Science 310 (5745): 462–465.
doi:10.1126/science.1117908. PMID 16239470.
6.
Wolfgang Gruener.: Nanotechnology to improve quality, performance of thin displays. April 29,
2005
7.
Edward Wallner Delphi Corp., Bruce Myers Delphi Energy and Chassis, D.H.R Sarma, Suresh
Shah, Suresh Chengalva, Gary Eesley and Coleen Dykstra Delphi Corp., Richard Parker and
David Ihms Delphi Corp.: Nanotechnology Applications in Future Automobiles. SAE
International 2010-01-1149 Published 04/12/2010
8.
Giulia M. Stella.: Carbon nanotubes and pleural damage: Perspectives of nanosafety in the light
of asbestos experience .Biointerphases 6, P1 (2011); doi:10.1116/1.3582324
9.
Julie Muller, Franc¸ois Huaux, Nicolas Moreau, Pierre Misson, Jean-Franc¸ois Heilier,Monique
Delos, Mohammed Arras, Antonio Fonseca, Janos B. Nagy, Dominique Lison.: Respiratory
toxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 207 (2005) 221–
231. 5 March 2005
10. D. C. Walther - University of California, L. Lin - University of California, A. P. Pisano University of California .: Micro- and Nano-Technologies for Automotive Sensor Research.
Paper Number: 2007-01-1012. DOI: 10.4271/2007-01-1012
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
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34
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Future of Nanotechnology
About the Authors
Research Trainee,
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd.,
Pune, India.
Areas of Interest
Embedded Systems,
Image Processing and Telecommunication
Nikhil Jotwani
Sr. Research Associate,
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd.,
Pune, India.
Areas of Interest
Parallel computing, OS,
Algorithms and Network Security.
Prasad Pawar
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
35
Introduction:
Imagine going to a car showroom, where the
salesperson shows you different small packets
instead of car models. All you see are seeds in the
packet. Simply spread the seeds in your garden and
you would see your car grow from scratch!
Unbelievable! Isn't it? Nanotechnology may
provide a solution to this wish. The effects of
nanotechnology on many other areas such as
textiles, paper production, food manufacturing
and agriculture are quite commendable. In a
recent research, scientists at the Northern Illinois
University have found a method of producing high
yields of graphene. It is believed that these
nanostructures could replace silicon. This
invention of graphene would make the consumer
electronic devices even smaller and faster. Another
research at the University of Strathclyde states
that carbon nanotubes would play an important
role in desalination of water to meet the everincreasing demand for fresh water. Many such
applications are possible with nanotechnology.
Future of nanotechnology in
medicine:
Applications of nanotechnology to medicine are
designed to interact with the body at sub-cellular
scales. This can potentially be used to translate
cellular and tissue specific applications, which
results into maximal cure with minimal side effects.
This technology is called as nanomedicine. The
nanomedicine is the science and technology of
diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases [1].
For example, we are using nanomedicine to detect
cancerous or tumour cells using molecular imaging
therapy. When we inject the nanoparticles in the
body, they have a tendency to accumulate near the
tumour cells because these cells lack the lymphatic
drainage system. Therefore, by viewing the area
where nanoparticles have been accumulated, we
can know the exact size of the tumour and
medicate only those portions.
In the future, nanotechnology will form the
molecular systems that may be used for
regeneration or replacement of body parts that
are lost due to infection, accident or diseases [2].
Nanotubes technology could be used to
administer drugs more precisely. The nanotubes
carry the required drug and being small in size they
can enter at the required place. Therefore, we can
36
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Figure 1: molecular imaging therapy [11]
deliver the drug at the precise location. Advanced
research shows improved functionality of the
carbon content in the nanotubes, which makes it
water soluble and highly suitable for the biological
environment around it.
Other areas of on-going research include
development of artificial red blood cells to improve
blood flow, artificial mitochondria to maintain
metabolism in tissues suffering from ischemic injury
etc. Nanomedicine can be used as a preventive
measure to help a large portion of the population to
deal more effectively with cardiovascular disease
and hypertension. This technology could be
explored and used as new diagnostic tests having
monitoring capabilities and therapies to manage
many chronic diseases for example Lupus or
Arthritis [3].
Future of Nanotechnology in water
treatment:
Nanotechnology could potentially revolutionize
technologies for obtaining clean water and this
could become a critical application in future [3].
The researchers see fresh opportunities to create
nano-enhanced technologies that will help to
generate more clean water. With a Nano Tool shed
and a Nano Library, scientists could launch
innovative efforts to improve water purification,
prevent water pollution and clean up tainted
groundwater, lakes and streams. The challenge in
this field is to convert the pollutants that are refined
out during the process into some useful material like
compost. We could use nanotechnology to
determine the purity level of water. Researchers
can already recommend some nanomaterials that
could be used to enhance existing water purification
processes. Since nanosize particles have a high
surface area and they can be chemically tailored,
they show great potential as absorbents that latch
on to pollutants and pull them out of water. Nano
engineered membranes and filtration devices
could be used to detect and remove viruses and
other pollutants that are difficult to trap using
existing technologies. A preliminary technique of
polymer-nanospheres is used to detect
pharmaceutical kind of pollution, which was
difficult to spot in waterways. Such nanoscale
sensors might be helpful for real-time monitoring
of these pollutants. Eventually smart membranes
with specifically tailored nanopores might be
designed to detect and remove such pollutants.
With greater ability to filter out unwanted
materials and industrial wastewater, even the
ocean could become available to boost the supply
of clean water.
Future of nanotechnology in
computers:
Future computers are on the forefront of
becoming common. In the near future, computers
will use nanotechnology to shrink the size of silicon
chips, increase speed and power. The future
computers will be based upon qubits (quantum
bits) rather than the digital bit 1's and 0's. In simple
terms, the qubit can have both the states as that of
a digital bit and a superposition state analogous to
that of an atom. The power of magnetic forces at a
subatomic scale will be able to unleash the
exponential power of future computers. The
information is stored in the nucleus of the atoms.
The spin of a quantum bit in one atom is reflected
in a spin of another bit far away. Therefore, by
manipulating the rotation of atoms, data can be
transmitted and stored at an unprecedented rate.
Future computers will not be measured in gigabits
or terabytes but they will be measured in Qubits
and Kets. Currently, there is not enough
computational power to pull off true artificial
intelligence. There is also not enough
computational power to decrypt complicated
encryption methodologies. However, with the
exponential power of future quantum computers
aided by nanotechnology we may actually be able
to implement artificial intelligence. Future
computers will no longer have RAM or DRAM but
rather MRAM (Magneto resistive Random Access
Memory) which is being implemented on trail basis
[5].
Figure 2 - QCA cell polarisation and representations
of binary 1 and 0 [5].
Nanotechnologies are already influencing the
computing industry and the influence will be more
once they are further developed. The development
of VLSI CMOS systems will reach its limit and a new
type of nano-computer will be needed to replace it.
These systems will use very different computer
architectures from today. An architecture that
shows particular promise is Quantum Dot Arrays
(qdots) [6], which could be a viable alternative to
CMOS. Where the speed of CMOS systems will be
limited to around 15GHz these new architectures
could provide operating frequencies in excess of
100GHz.Figure 2 shows a high level Quantum Dot
Array of four dots that can be used to represent the
binary value's 0 and 1. The array contains four
quantum dots and two electrons. The electrons can
be moved between the quantum dots using a
process called as electron tunnelling. At the
different positions shown in Figure 2, they
represent the binary values 1 and 0 encoded in the
charge configuration within the quantum dot cells.
These qdots cells can then be combined together to
make simple logic devices.
Future of nanotechnology in textile:
The recent research of nanotechnology in the field
of textile includes producing fabrics with special
properties embedded in them. These would
include bullet proof, germ proof, military garments
that can change colour etc. Most of the applications
of nanotechnology are derived from the
remarkable properties of carbon nanotubes viz. the
ability to conduct both heat and electricity along and
toughness of the fibre. With the introduction of
nanotechnology in textiles, spinning fibres with
diameters in nanometre range has become
possible. Electro spinning is the process used for
producing fine filaments from polymer solutions.
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
37
Figure 1: schematic view of electro spinning [9]
the entire fabric. Nanotech is making a mark in
producing versatile fibre composites, which will
help in giving better finishing to the fibre. This
technology for giving fine finish to the fabric can
cause a revolution in producing stain resistant, anti
wrinkle, anti static fabrics.
The next stage in nano-textile technology would
include improving over the already existing
techniques. In addition, it aims at adding new
functions and properties to the fabric like wearable
solar cells, energy storage, embedding sensors,
information acquisition and transfer, etc.
Future of nanotechnology in Energy:
Figure 2: Nano fibres [9]
Self-cleaning fabrics are a revolution in the field of
textile. It uses the fundamentals of
nanotechnology. This technology was introduced
by the US Air force. They experimented by making
t-shirts which could be worn hygienically without
washing for weeks. First nanoparticles are
attached to the fibre using microwaves, then
chemicals to reject water, oil and bacteria are
bound to these nanoparticles. The combination of
these two elements forms a protective layer on the
fabric. These fabrics were mainly developed to
protect the soldiers from biological weapons.
Chinese and U.S. researchers have developed a
carbon nanotube-coated smart yarn that conducts
electricity and it can be woven into textiles. This
yarn can be used to detect blood or to monitor
health. Also on the same lines, fabrics can be
developed which can transfer information from
one fabric to another. This is used in museums to
cover the wall etc. By sending the information to
other fabrics, the pattern and texture of the fabric
can be changed. Fabric dyeing can be done with
the help of nanotechnology and the material used
is called Nanoclay. Usually some chemicals are
mixed up with it so that it uniformly spreads over
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TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
The nanoscale energy applications potentially apply
to different sources of energy including hydrogen,
geothermal, unconventional natural gas, fission, and
solar energy. Applying nanotechnology to
geothermal energy increases the opportunities to
develop geothermal resources by enhancing
thermal conductivity or aiding in the development
of noncorrosive materials that could be used for
geothermal energy production [7]. The recovery of
unconventional sources of natural gas is yet another
potential application of nanotechnology.
Unconventional sources of natural gas include tight
sandstones, shale gas and coal bed methane.
Nanotechnology applications may prove useful in
accessing or exploiting these unconventional
natural gas sources. For instance, nanocatalysts and
nanoscale membranes may prove useful in assisting
in Gas to Liquids production. Furthermore, certain
nanostructured materials may assist in compressed
natural gas transport. Nanotechnology may also
prove useful in solving the waste problems of the
nuclear energy industries. For instance, certain
nano-engineered barriers may prove useful in
preventing the migration of nuclear waste products.
Nanotechnology applications may assist in making
solar energy more economical. This is because
using nanotechnology we can form tiny solar cells
and can form thin flexible sheets as compared to the
present bulky sheets available. These sheets could
actually be laid on rooftops collecting large amount
of energy. Nanoscience can be utilized to improve
the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, creating costefficient conversion systems, effective solar power
storage systems or even the generation of solar
energy on a larger scale.
Nanotechnology might someday allow for more
powerful, more efficient and less expensive energy
generation, storage, transmission and distribution.
Nanotechnology is being used to optimize
production from existing energy sources and to
exploit new sources such as geothermal, liquefied
natural gas, nuclear and solar energy.
The coming years of nanotechnology:
Concluding from all the above discussions, we can
infer that nanotechnology will change the face of
medicines, healthcare and human life more
profoundly than many developments of the past.
They have potential to bring about significant
benefits such as improved health, better use of
natural resources and reduced environmental
pollution. Advanced nanosystems could be used to
build large, complex products cleanly, efficiently
and at low cost. Building with atomic precision
large manufacturing systems could produce the
products as follows [10]:
l Desktop computers with a billion processors
l Medical devices able to destroy viruses and
cancer cells without damaging healthy cells
l Materials 100 times stronger than steel
References
[1] “Nanomedicine”, Forward look report on
Nanomedicine by European Science Foundation.
[2] Dr. Daniel J. Fiorino,” Voluntary Initiatives,
Regulation and Nanotechnology Oversight”,
Woodrow Wilson International centre for scholars,
a project on emerging nanotechnology.
[3] Karen F. Schmidt,”Nanofrontiers visions for the
future of nanotechnology”, Woodrow Wilson
International centre for scholars, a project on
emerging nanotechnology, 6th march 2007.
[4] K. Eric Drexler,”Revolutionizing the Future of
Technology “.
[5] “Future computers”, Future technology 500, an
online article. http://www.futuretechnology500.com
[6] Gavin Stewart, “The Future of
Nanotechnologies in Computing”.
[7] “Future energy sources”, an online article.
[8] “Future of nanotechnology in textiles”, an online
article. www.5magzine.worldpress.com
[9] D.Gopalakrishnan,”A big future for small
science: nanotechnology in textile”, Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Textile Management,
Coimbatore – 641004.
[10] Mallanagouda Patil, Dhoom Singh Mehta and
Sowjanya Guvva, “Future impact of nanotechnology
on Medicine and dentistry “.
l Solar energy system that is Inexpensive and
efficient
Q
What is the Uncertainty Principle?
A
The Uncertainty Principle states that people who know
just a little physics are Uncertain about nanotechnology.
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
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40
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
Nanomanufacturing:
from Research to Commercial
About the Author
Senior Research Associate
CREST,
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd,
Pune, India
Areas of Interest
Computer Vision,
Signal Processing
Smita Nair
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
41
1. Introduction
Nanotechnology is a field of science that
manipulates matter at molecular and atomic levels
in order to create materials and systems having
significantly improved properties [1]. At
dimensions of about one-billionth of a meter,
physical phenomena become pronounced due to
effects such as quantum phenomenon and/or
increase in relative surface area. The materials of
same chemical elements at nanoscale change their
mechanical, optical, electrical properties giving
rise to unpredictable effects.
With significant breakthrough in the field of
nanotechnology, its applications would penetrate
in almost all areas of technology bringing about
major changes in our lives. Nanotechnology
research has multiplied since 21st Century, with the
Nanotechnology Research and Development Act
(NRDA) (2003) establishing the seven Program
Component Areas (PCA) for research and
development [1] . The program areas are as shown
in Figure 1.
Figure 2 : Approaches to nanoscale structures [11]
Figure 2 is an example showing the basic 'top-down'
and 'bottom-up' approaches to nanoscale
structures. The top-down or down sizing approach
has significant role in nanoelectonics , whereas the
bottom-up approach plays a significant role in
chemical, advanced materials and pharamaceutical
industries.
The basic nanomanufacturing process and few of its
application areas are shown in Figure 3.
Figure 1 : Program Component Areas (PCA)
The nanomanufacturing program at the U.S
National Science Foundation started the National
Nanomanufacturing Network(NNN) that plans
nanotechnology research from laboratory to
production manufacturing phase through various
exchange programs and defined roadmaps. U.S
National Science Foundation estimates $ 1 trillion
worth of products would incorporate
nanotechnology materials as the key components
by 2015 [3].
II. Nanotechnology Manufacturing
Figure 3 : Nanomanufacturing process and
few of its application domains
In order to achieve systematic research and
manufacture at nanoscale,
nanotechnology
capability is divided into four overlapping
generations of products by the National
Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) which can be
summarized as follows [3][5]-
Nanomanufacturing includes the manufacturing
42
activities to develop a product or system that
a) First Generation products (~yr-2000) consisting
exploits all the properties of nano materials. It
of passive nanostructures such as nanoparticles,
basically defines two approaches, 'top-down'
nanowires, nanostructured materials etc.
approach where in an existing system is analysed
b) Second Generation products (~yr-2005) of
upto nanoscale level and 'bottom-up' approach
active nanostructures such as transistors,
which includes developing system parts from
amplifiers, targeted drugs and chemicals, sensors,
nanoscale materials.
actuators and adaptive nanostructures.
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
c) Third Generation products (~yr-2010)
scale products. The integration should be fast, cost
consisting of three-dimensional nanosystems and
effective, power efficient and should be able to link
systems of nanosystems. Ex: assembly techniques,
to products of different size, type and material.
networking at nanoscale, nano-robotics.
Other challenge would be to handle multilayer and
d) Fourth Generation products (~yr-2015)
multiprocess manufacturing for batch-type
consisting of molecular nanosystems wherein each
processing. Currently nanocluster tools as shown in
molecule will have a specific functionality and
Figure 4 are used to handle multiprocesses on the
unique characteristic. These molecules will be
substrate without moving it from one machine to
used as devices or be a part of the engineering
another. But these tools are not used for mass
systems.
production which would need new manufacturing
tools and capabilities.
III. Nanomanufacturing areas :
Opportunities and Challenges
The following section briefs on the areas of
opportunity for nanomanufacturing and their
associated challenges.
Nanoelements such as nanoparticles, nanowires,
nanofibers, nanotubes, quantum dots, bulkyball
fullerness have been available for laboratory
research purpose but there exist a challenge in
manufacturing these materials for commercial
purpose with sufficient control over physical
properties such as size, length, diameter,
conductivity etc. such that the characteristics of
the manufactured product is well defined.
Designing tools required for multidimensional
nanostructures is challenging. For example,
Figure 4 : Nanocluster tools [5]
I V.
C o m m e r c i a l l y Av a i l a b l e
Nanoscale Products
The following section briefs on few nanotechnology
products that are available commercially and the
tools and process used for their manufacturing.
1) Nanotechnology in cosmetic industry :
Liposome-Nanocapsule based lotions.
existing manufacturing tools such as Molecular
beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal organic chemical
vapor deposition (MOCVD) is used in layered
semiconductor nanomaterials for commerial
applications such as electro-opto and
giant
magnetoresistance (GMR) devices etc. But no such
tools exist for manufacturing three dimensional
nanomaterials that would allow high-yield
production.
Research in nanotechnology shows that the major
challenge would be in achieving
complete
integration of nano-scale with macro and micro
Figure 5 : Liposome Nanocapsule
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
43
1) Nanotechnology in Health Systems : Silver
Nanoparticles for washing machines
Silver nano technology introduced by Samsung in
2003, is an antibacterial technology that uses silver
nanoparticles in the washing machines,
refrigerators, air purifiers etc. Silver is commonly
used in antiseptic and disinfectent in medical
applications. The silver ions (Ag+) nanoparticles
used in 'Samsung WM1245A' Washing Machine
penetrate deeply into fabrics of any kind and
creates a coat of sterilizing protection with
disinfection and added antibacterial effect that last
for upto 30 days after washing [9].The sterlization
washing machine kills 99% of the bacteria (without
boiling) thus saving energy and detergent
requirement [5].
Figure 6 : Silver nanoparticle- Washing Machines
3) Nanotechnology in Electronics Industry
:Carbon Nanotube Random Access Memory
The company Nantero has used carbon nanotubes
to develop the nanoscale random access memory
(NRAM) [10]. These memory chips have higher
memory storage capacity, faster speeds, lower
cost and is non-volatile. These memory chips have
higher resistance to enviromental factors such as
heat cold, radiations etc. The carbon nanotubes
used in the NRAM chips have a combination of
properties such as higher electrical and thermal
conductivity, high tenstile strength and is of small
size, that makes it potentially useful in electronic
applications. But the manufacturing process of
these nanotubes poses a challenge since their
properties cannot be easily controlled, and are
difficult to align or position them.
Figure 8 : Carbon nanotubes
V. Conclusion
Nanomanufacturing is a field that exploits the
commercial usage of the researched
nanostructures and brings them into the production
phase. In order to achieve significant progress in
manufacturing at nanoscale, different branches of
science and engineering need to be researched and
combined. The commercial areas of importance
includes automotive, aerospace, electronics,
semiconductors, health and safety, power and
energy etc. For commercial success of
nanotechnology based products, fields such as
nanometrology and instrumentation finds
significant importance.
References
[1] M.E. Davey, 'Manipulating Molecules: Federal Support for
Nanotechnology Research', CRS Report for Congress, August 2007
[2] K.W. Lyons, 'Integration, Interoperability, and Information Management: What
are the key issues for Nanomanufacturing? ', Proceedings of SPIE Vol. 6648:
66480D. SPIE Optics and Photonics, August 29, 2007.
[3] O. Renn, M.C.Roco, 'Nanotechnology and the need for risk governance',
J.Nanoparticle Research, Vol. 8(2), 2006, Perspectives, Springer Science, Preprint
[4] 'Instrumentation and Metrology for Nanotechnology', Report of the National
Nanotechnology Initiative Workshop, January 27-29, 2004, NIST - Gaithersburg,
MD
[5] 'Manufacturing at nanoscale', Report of the National Nanotechnology Initiative
Workshop, 2002-2004, NIST - Gaithersburg, MD
[6] L.Mu, R.L.Sprando, 'Application of nanotechnology in Cosmetics', Pharm Res
(2010) 27:1746–1749, DOI 10.1007/s11095-010-0139-1
[7] C. Phoenix and M.Treder, 'Safe Utilization of Advanced Nanotechnology'
[8] http://courses.engr.uky.edu/CME/cme470/final%20materials/mu%2010.pdf
[9] http://wikipedia.atpedia.com/en/articles/s/i/l/Silver_Nano_47ac.html#cite_note-3
[10] http://nanopedia.case.edu/NWPage.php?page=stu.lowry.3
Figure 7 : NRAM using Carbon nanotube
44
TechTalk@KPITCummins, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2011
About KPIT Cummins Infosystems Limited
KPIT Cummins partners with global automotive and semiconductor
corporations in bringing products faster to their target markets. We help
customers globalize their process and systems efficiently through a unique blend
of domain-intensive technology and process expertise. As leaders in our space,
we are singularly focused on co-creating technology products and solutions to
help our customers become efficient, integrated, and innovative manufacturing
enterprises. We have filed for 34 patents in the areas of automotive technology,
high-performance computing, and semiconductors.
About CREST
The Center for Research in Engineering Sciences and Technology (CREST) is
focused on innovation, technology, research and development in emerging
technologies. Our vision is to build KPIT Cummins as the global leader in selected
technologies of interest, to enable free exchange of ideas, and to create an
atmosphere of innovation throughout the company. Recently, we have received
funding to the tune of INR 50 million from World Bank as a recognition and
supplementary assistance for research activities. This journal is an endeavor to
bring you the latest in scientific research and technology.
Invitation to Write Articles
We at KPIT Cummins foresee that the journal will grow as envisioned, with due
endorsement from you. Our forthcoming issue to be released in January 2012
will be based on “Innovations from the Edge.” We invite you to share your
knowledge by contributing to this journal.
Format of the Articles
Your original articles should be based on the central theme of “Innovations
from the Edge.” The length of the articles should be between 1200 to 1500
words. Appropriate references should be included at the end of the articles. All
the pictures should be from public domain and of high resolution. Please include a
brief write-up and a photograph of yourself along with the article. The last date
for submission of articles for the next issue is Sept. 15, 2011.
To send in your contributions, please write to crest@kpitcummins.com .
To know more about us, log on to www.kpitcummins.com .
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