Spanish nanotech on the move
A few weeks ago I participated in a nanotech event organized by Nanoaracat, the joint R&D nanotechnology initiative between the Spanish regions of Aragón and Catalunya. 14 companies presented how nano is already impacting their products and processes. The applications they described ranged from textile to automotive, construction, biotechnology or food industry.
Throughout the day I realised how Spanish companies are exploiting the potential of nanotechnology better and better. Even more noticeable was, however, to see how they are also getting better at convincing their clients of the benefits of nanotechnology. Just looking at a few examples we can see how the balance between the costs of nanotechnology and new possibilities it offers, is shifting.
BASF presented their new series of nanostructured concrete (i.e. concrete optimised by controlling the nanostructures formed during hydration of the cement) for structural repairs. The Achilles’ heel of cement resides in its relatively low tensile strength, often leading to cracks in repaired structures after some years. Nanostructuring improves the results significantly, a fact that is especially important because it has been found that 75% of the owners of concrete structures are dissatisfied with the results within 10 years after repair. This has led to the need for a European standard for concrete repairs, including which materials to use. These new products developed by BASF not only fulfil the standard but also are easier to apply, which brings about additional time and cost savings.
The company NTC Nanotecnología presented its nanotechology-based coatings for different substrates and applications, e.g. self-cleaning, anti-fingerprint or anti-bacterial. Although the benefits of these applications are normally very significant, the end user usually perceives them only as ‘nice-to-have’, which hinders their broader commercialization. Yet in some cases, benefits can also be measured in financial terms. This is the case when applying anti-dirt coatings in industrial cooling systems, which limits the use of filters and drastically reduces maintenance costs. On top of this, NTC calculates that dirt reduction cuts energy consumption with 30%. This is an argument that should help in convincing their clients!
Having said that, while nanotech is moving forwards from the lab to the market, companies are improving their technological and marketing arguments to convince their clients of the tangible benefits of nano. Let’s hope the good work continues, both in the lab and outside…
