Week 8 - Nanotech and Art

 Nanotechnology is a relatively new concept, discovered in 1981 by Professor Norio Taniguchi (Nano.gov, 1). This technology consists of the ability to control individual atoms or molecules. To get a grasp of just how small a nanometer actually is, a piece of newspaper is 100,000 nanometers thick. Nanotechnology relates to art in a variety of ways, but mostly through conservation and preservation. 

Example of nanotech

Micelles, or oil-in-water nanodroplets, can be used to remove grease and dirt from wall and easel paintings. In the past hydrocarbon solvents have been used to clean these paintings, but they are worse for the environment and less efficient. This procedure can be credited to the size of micelles, as the smaller particles create more surface area for cleaning than do larger ones (Sunipapramanik, 3). When applied to the paintings, the grime is caught in the droplets and removed from the art.

Another form of conservation of art using nanotechnology comes from hard inorganic nanoparticles to protect bones and artifacts. CaOH2 (calcium hydroxide) nanoparticles can react with CO2 particles in the artifact and create a calcium carbonate network for restoration. This calcium carbonate network strengthens the bones or other artifacts used in art that has been broken down due to wear and tear. This technology is the best option as the small particles can break the surface and restore the entire structure. 

Nanotechnology has been a key factor in the restoration and repair of ancient art, and will continue to serve its purpose for the sake of generations to come.

Images:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fphysicsworld.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F04%2FPWNANOApr19Harper_nanotube.jpg

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsustainablenano.files.wordpress.com%2F2017%2F05%2Fbagolini2012.png%3Fw%3D503%26h%3D303&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsustainable

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fscience%2Fk0v6kp%2Farticle33149621.ece%2FALTERNATES%2FLANDSCAPE_1200%2FVBK-ARTIFACT

References:

“What Is Nanotechnology?” National Nanotechnology Initiative, www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition#:~:text=Over%20a%20decade%20later%2C%20in,atoms%2C%20that%20modern%20nanotechnology%20began. 

Sunipapramanik. “Art Conservation and Nanotechnology: A Wonderful Confluence of Arts and Sciences.” Sustainable Nano, 12 May 2017, sustainable-nano.com/2017/05/12/art-conservation-and-nanotechnology/. 

“What Is Nanotechnology?” National Nanotechnology Initiative, National Nanotechnology Initiative, www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition.

Dwaine F Emerich & Christopher G Thanos (2003) Nanotechnology and medicine, Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 3:4, 655-663, DOI: 10.1517/14712598.3.4.655