Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Blog Post 12: Invention Background/References

Post 10 references to your invention project. Post a brief paragraph of the summary of each of your references. These references must be from the primary literature which can be accessed through the UW-Stout library. I suggest utilizing Web of Science and Science Citation Index.

1. http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/results/getResults.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.35
a. This article discussed the implication that nanotechnology is already beginning to have on environmental and human health. It further notes that much research is needed before this field can further expand. However this article is from 2007 so I’m sure much has been done in this area since that time.
2. http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/lab/45937
a. In the article linked above the process of plasma nanofabrication is described in detail and the benefits of the process are outlined. Previous methods for manufacturing nanomaterial’s have often involved human and environmental exposure which could prove to be harmful.
3. http://nanoyou.eu/attachments/502_EXPERIMENT%20D2%20_Appendix%20I%20for%20teachers.pdf
a. Nanoyou.eu provided great explanations of how, by reducing the size of an atom, the surface area of that atom increases at an incredible rate. This is important to our project because we are attempting to invent a tire tread that provides much great traction to the road.
4. http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology/introduction/introduction_to_nanotechnology_3.html
a. In our last class period Dr. Matt Ray gave a presentation detailing how surface area is a very important characteristic of nanotechnology and is one of the main reasons why nanotechnology has fascinated many scientists. This site detailed how and why this surface area increased and why it’s so important.
5. http://apps.webofknowledge.com/full_record.do?product=WOS&search_mode=GeneralSearch&qid=1&SID=P2Ido1Miibk1@hBL@53&page=1&doc=2
a. The article linked above mainly focuses its discussion around the environmental concerns surrounding nanotechnology. However this article did not say much about specifics but it brought up a good point that nanotechnology could have unseen dangers in the near future.
6. http://www.unisci.com/stories/20022/0612023.htm
a. Dr. Persson works with Formula one tire’s and in this brief article describes the current struggles to create a tire made of a material that has a good ratio of toughness yet is supple enough to be able to grip uneven surfaces with ease. This gave great insight into the struggles faced by tire companies to innovate their products each and every day possible.
7. http://www.bhrgroup.com/applying_nano-coatings_to_rubber.aspx
a. The BHR Group studies Fluid Engineering and one of their current research projects is applying a nano-coating to rubber fitting to provide a better seal and also provide a material that is less friction pron.
8. http://www.navysbir.com/04_1/2.htm
a. Icephobic coatings are currently being researched by several companies to be applied to electrical components that are commonly exposed to the outdoors, also this concept is sort of what our invention hopes to help solve by creating a rubber texture that is almost completely weather resistant.
9. http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/results/getResults.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.35
a. Current uses of similar applications of the invention we proposed are described in the link above. A nano film is applied to machinery and used as lubrication. The nano-film in which they create has similar sliding characteristics of rubber.
10. http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/results/getResults.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.35
a. At the Rice University in Houston, Texas they have proposed an idea that utilizes nanotechnology to create a rubber which would be 3 times stronger than current rubber but would maintain its elasticity.

Blog Post 11: Invention Team/Timeline

Post the names of the individuals working on your invention team. Describe the activities that each person is engaged with and list the timeline for your activities to complete your invention project. The invention complete project is due Dec 12. Each team needs to create a 24" x 26" poster that describes the invention. Topics/questions to address on the poster are:

what is the issue/opportunity you are trying to address? Describe the background and current efforts to address this issue/opportunity
describe your invention that utilizes nanotechnology, describe what makes the invention based on nanotechnology
describe the materials and processing that would be needed to make the invention
address any safety/environmental concerns
address costs for developing and producing
address any regulations that may need to be addressed
address the consumer acceptance of this nano-invention.

Blog Post 10: SEM Image

Monday, November 7, 2011

Blog Post 9: Intro to Invention Project

Begin to collect thoughts on a Nano invention or innovation. Choose a topic/idea and post this. Also decide on a partner or group and post who is in this partnership/group.

The concepts surrounding nanotechnology that interest me the most definitely relates to the medical field but for my invention project I think will research and brain storm on ideas and concepts that apply more to the consumer. Such as, how can fast food or grocery stores use nanotechnology to be less wasteful or more efficient. I will more than likely work solo but would be open to considering a partner if required

Blog Post 8: Applications

Find 10 nano-applications of interest to you. Post a brief description and a link for more info. For each application, explain the "nano" part based on the descriptions of what makes nano special from the nano.gov website: http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/special