In previous articles , we talked about the use of carbon nanotubes in the industry, including the construction industry, today, with the advancement of nanotechnology , various products with unique properties have entered the market. One of the fields in which the introduction of nanotechnology has led to optimization and cost savings is the construction industry. The use of nanoparticles in building materials not only improves the quality, but also adds new properties to the materials that can be used more widely.

For example, adding nanoparticles to paint increases scratch resistance, self-cleaning, antibacterial and antistatic surfaces. Anti-fog, anti-fire, anti-reflective glasses are other advantages of the presence of nanoparticles in glass. Sound, heat and moisture insulation surfaces are other widely used products in the field of construction.

The use of nanoparticles in building facades

The facade of buildings is generally made of mineral materials (concrete, brick or stone), wood, metal and glass. In addition to beauty, facade coverings must have other capabilities such as resistance to scratches, pollution, cracks, ultraviolet light radiation, and fire.  

One of the applications of engineered nanoparticles is to cover the facade of buildings, which gives different and improved properties to the facade of the building. Currently, the most widely used nanoparticles in facade coatings are silver nanoparticles, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. The most important benefits of using nanoparticles in the facade coating can be mentioned protection against ultraviolet rays, water and pollution removal (self-cleaning property) and antibacterial properties.

Titanium dioxide is one of the most widely used nanoparticles for its self-cleaning and antimicrobial properties, which can be achieved only in the presence of sunlight and rainwater. So far, two different mechanisms have been reported for the action of titanium dioxide on surfaces. These particles have the ability to oxidize and reduce compounds absorbed on the surface and also give it hydrophilic properties. Adding nanoparticles of titanium dioxide to the paint resin prevents the adhesion of pollution and fats in the air on the surfaces.

Titanium dioxide has inherent photocatalytic properties. By irradiating sunlight on surfaces containing TiO 2 nanoparticles , electron-holes are created, which in case of reaction with water produces hydroxyl free radicals and removes surface pollution and fats. The anatase phase of titanium dioxide has shown far better photocatalytic results than the rutile and brookite phase due to its higher bandgap.

In addition to photocatalytic properties, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have the ability to create hydrophilic surfaces. These nanoparticles with the anatase crystal network create a super hydrophilic surface by reducing the contact angle to 1 degree. In this case, only rain is enough to carry dust and pollution on the surface with water and clean the surface. It is possible to make these coatings using different coating methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sol-gel, spray and plasma.

Application of nanoparticles in construction materials

• Application of concrete nanoparticles

The most economical and optimal way to increase the tensile and compressive strength of concrete is to add metal oxide nanoparticles such as iron, silicon, aluminum and titanium oxides. One of the problems in the process of making concrete is the separation of particles and the lack of uniform compaction of concrete due to the release of air inside it through shaking. The use of clay nanoparticles improves self-compaction properties and reduces permeability. These nanoparticles also cause compressive, tensile and bending resistances. The use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, in addition to the self-cleaning properties of concrete, reduces its setting time, fills internal cavities, and improves the mechanical properties of concrete by increasing its density.

• Application of cement nanoparticles

Cement is the main material used in construction, without which construction processes become practically impossible. Many researches in the field of nanotechnology in the construction industry are related to cement and its strengthening mechanisms. Carbon nanotubes are a suitable option for strengthening cement materials due to their high strength and inherent hardness. One of the challenges in the field of making this composite is the uniform and homogeneous distribution of nanotubes in the cement field, which can be solved by using surfactant or using ultrasound energy.

The use of nanoparticles in construction is very high, you can contact Temad Kala experts for more information about how to use nanoparticles in construction materials or more information about buying nano materials.