INTRODUCTION
AND OBJECTIVES
Nanotechnology is
the latest advancement in the world of sciences. It refers to the constructing
and engineering of the systems ion function at very micro level or we can say
at atomic level. It is used to advance the present systems by implementing the
new concepts related to the particular field. It uses bottom up approach to
build high performance products as compared to the current market products. it
is also called as general purpose technology because it has a significant
influence in almost all the industries of the society in different manner. Its
diversify the current extensions of the developed objects to the next level of
development.
The
world budget from different governments for researchon nanotechnologies
research was about $4.6 billion in 2005 and which will accelerate up to $1
trillion by 2015. Vehicle safety, performance, and fuel efficiency provide a
demand for new and advanced materials in automotive applications. Nanomaterials
for automotive applications are intended to pursue reductions in engines emissions,
safe driving, quiet vehicles, self-healing body and windscreens. The idea of
using nano-fluids to improve coolant performance was presented long time ago. The
outcome of that proposal was 100% increase in liquid ther- mal conductivity,
using nanometer scale particles resulted in many more scientific research
projects in this area. Even so, the improvements in coolants performance may provide
drive and motivation for further improvements in engine efficiency and reduced
size and weight of cooling systems. As well there are other investigations with
focus on the improvement of thermal and rheological properties of lubricants,
using nano-particles.
Aim
and Objectives
Nanotechnology
has the potential to be used in many processes and products. Therefore there is
a growing need for creating knowledge about the health risks accompanied with
the exposure to nanoparticles. The paint- and lacquer industry is already using
nanoparticles in substantial amounts and the number of applications will be
growing in the near future. Therefore this nanotoxicology research is focusing
on the paint- and lacquer industry, so
that the results can be immediately used in praxis.
The
goals of the four subprojects are:
- Evaluation of exposure risks while
handling nanoparticles and while sanding paint and lacquer that contain
nanoparticles.
- Physical and chemical
characterization of nanoparticles used in paint and lacquer and
characterization of dust created by sanding paint and lacquer that contain
nanoparticles.
- Identification and evaluation of
the toxic effects of nanoparticles used by the paint- and lacquer
industry and comparison to the effects created by sanding dust from paint
products. Translocation of particles across barriers, carcinogenicity,
effects on cardiac system, embriogenic effects and allergenic effects will
be part of the study.
