Nano Materials

Nanotechnology is recognized as a pivotal technology of the twenty-first century, with its economic significance rapidly increasing. In architecture and construction, it offers practical applications today, particularly through surface coatings that enhance properties like tensile strength, self-cleaning abilities, and fire resistance. Nanomaterial additives improve the performance of conventional materials, making them lighter, more permeable, and durable. These materials not only benefit roofs and facades but also broaden design possibilities for both interiors and exteriors. Nano-insulating materials present new opportunities for environmentally conscious architects. This book, featuring a foreword by Nobel laureate Harold Kroto, provides architects, interior designers, and other professionals with a tailored introduction to the scientific principles behind nanotechnology. It critically examines the benefits and limitations of the technology while presenting a detailed overview of sixteen characteristics and functions of nanomaterials relevant to building and design, supported by numerous international project examples. The author, Sylvia Leydecker, is a practicing interior designer in Cologne and an active member of various professional organizations, contributing to the discourse on nanotechnology in architecture through lectures and publications.