A Description of Where the Topic Fits in the World Today

Nanotechnology is a subject of material science that encompasses nano particles. A nano particle has at least one of its dimensions in nanometers. Its significance was revealed when it was observed that the materials drastically change their characteristics when they are ground to nano size. The importance of nanotechnology related research and development is now well-recognized worldwide. A huge public and private investment is now involved into research and development in a number of industrial sectors, where nanotechnology has become established and has led to new commercial products. During the last few years, nanotechnology has offered vast opportunities from microelectronics to aerospace and civil engineering is not an exception. Nanomaterials are gaining very rapid recognition in all engineering fields due to some unique advantages, they offer over conventional materials. Its utilization in civil engineering is twofold: Direct incorporation in existing materials like concretes and paints or grinding of materials itself like cement to nano-scale. During the past few years, it has been well established that nano materials owing to their higher strength and lower density are very useful for construction industry.