Nanotecnologie e Nanomateriali: dagli edifici sostenibili alle città intelligenti

Soon after that in 2000, the United States launched the world's first national nanotechnology program the term "nanotechnology" became the object of incredible fascination and speculation. In the public opinion grew the vision of a futuristic technology based on imaginary swarms of tiny, threatening, mini robots. This confusion served to help the first researchers in this sector who then had little incentive to explain the difference between nanoparticles and nanoscale robot mythology. Probably, also for that reason nanotechnology has led to large investments by governments and companies around the world. As a matter that, after a decade of promises and bad advertising, these new technologies are largely misunderstood, and normally rejected by the public opinion. Despite this confusion, the nanomaterials have found practical applications in everything from non-stick cookware to antibiotic, high-tech devices, up to cosmetics, food products and baby toys. The reason for this success is essentially due to the possibility of thinking and producing product and processes with extraordinary improvements in the cost, properties, and performance. Nanotechnology have opened the way towards new, more efficient, better performing intelligent materials, ultra-light structures and new monitoring and maintenance systems. Also in very conservative sectors, such as the construction industry, in which traditional materials and technologies are difficult to be substitute with new solutions, nanomaterials have found several applications. In this sector, nanotechnologies solutions help to satisfy the continued drive by governments towards the improved safety, sustainability, and performance of buildings and infrastructure.