Use of Nanomaterials in the Built Environment

The use of nanomaterials in the built environment is gaining traction. From commercially available titanium dioxide coatings, which remove harmful nitrous oxides from the air through photocatalysis, to embryonic technologies like nanophotonic passive coolers, nanomaterials pose vast benefit to our built world. Nevertheless, they stand against many obstacles. For example, lack of proper definitions and hence regulations mean they are misconceived within the construction community. Much research is still needed before successfully nanomaterial deployment is achieved in the built environment. This study aims to raise awareness of the advantages and risks associated with specific nanomaterial applications and provide further understanding into where they are positioned in construction. This has been done through a questionnaire survey and interviews of both nanotechnology and built environment experts to gather qualitative data on how nanomaterials in construction are perceived. Furthermore, to verify their benefit a physical experiment was conducted. With climate change being the biggest transformational driver of the built environment, the experiment revolves around combatting its effects. Sea levels rising and increase in extreme weather conditions, result in a need for more resilient, flood-proof architecture. The literature states that through the addition of graphene oxide, a stronger and more durable composite material can be made. This can withstand the intensified water and chloride penetration associated with increased exposure to water. Samples of concrete with and without an admixture of 0.2% of graphene oxide by weight of cement have undergone compressive and flexural strength testing and water and chloride permeability testing. This validates the literature and furthers understanding of the benefits and risks associated with this particular use of nanomaterial in the built environment.