As the environmental impact of existing construction and building materials comes under increasing scrutiny, the search for more eco-efficient solutions has intensified. Nanotechnology offers great potential in this area and is already being widely used to great success. Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction.
Following an introduction to the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materials, part one considers such infrastructural applications as nanoengineered cement-based materials, nanoparticles for high-performance and self-sensing concrete, and the use of nanotechnology to improve the bulk and surface properties of steel for structural applications. Nanoclay-modified asphalt mixtures and safety issues relating to nanomaterials for construction applications are also reviewed before part two goes on to discuss applications for building energy efficiency. Topics explored include thin films and nanostructured coatings, switchable glazing technology and third generation photovoltaic (PV) cells, high-performance thermal insulation materials, and silica nanogel for energy-efficient windows. Finally, photocatalytic applications are the focus of part three, which investigates nanoparticles for pollution control, self-cleaning and photosterilisation, and the role of nanotechnology in manufacturing paints and purifying water for eco-efficient buildings.
Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is a technical guide for all those involved in the design, production and application of eco-efficient construction materials, including civil engineers, materials scientists, researchers and architects within any field of nanotechnology, eco-efficient materials or the construction industry.
Diamanti, Maria Vittoria: - Maria Vittoria Diamanti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering at the Polytechnic of Milan, Italy. Her current research interests are: titanium oxides, nanostructured surfaces, photocatalysis, self-cleaning surfaces, spectrophotometry and reflectometry, corrosion, and durability of reinforced concrete.
Goran-Granqvist, Claes: - Claes Goran-Granqvist is Professor in the Department of Engineering Science at Uppsala University, Sweden. Professor Granqvist's research is focused on optical and electrical properties of materials, especially thin films for energy efficiency and solar energy utilization. He has published around 730 research papers in mostly refereed journals, over 30 books, had invited conference presentations at about 250 international conferences and chaired about 30 international meetings.
Nazari, Ali: - Ali Nazari is a Postdoctoral research Fellow at Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Pacheco-Torgal, Fernando: -
Dr. F. Pacheco-Torgal is a principal investigator at the University of Minho, in Portugal. He currently holds the title of Counsellor from the Portuguese Engineers Association and has authored more than 300 publications. He is a member of the editorial boards for 9 international journals. He has acted as a foreign expert in the evaluation of 30 PhD theses. In the last 10 years he has been a Member of the Scientific Committee for almost 60 conferences most of them in Asian countries. He is also a grant assessor for several scientific institutions in 15 countries including the UK, US, Netherlands, China, France, Australia, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Spain, Czech Republic, Chile, Saudi Arabia, UA. Emirates, Croatia, Poland, and the EU Commission. He has also been an invited reviewer for 125 international journals and has reviewed almost 1200 papers and has been the lead editor of 27 books.
