Nanotechnology and the Construction Industry

Abstract

Different industries are pursuing nanotechnology research and product development with aggressiveness, including the medical field and those that manufacture cutting-edge materials and semiconductors. However, while the benefits and barriers to entry of research and development have been widely studied, few studies have examined the potential applications of nanotechnology in the construction industry and what the industry needs. Although certain sectors within the construction industry keep pace with the latest nanotechnology research breakthroughs, the industry as a whole does not lead the charge. The construction industry, which encompasses building and infrastructure construction, and environmental and petroleum engineering, could greatly benefit from a deeper understanding of the products and techniques enabled by nanotechnology. This could result in improved customer productivity and quality. This study gives careful consideration to the applications of nanotechnology in the field of construction.