Nanotechnology holds the potential of providing a multitude of health and environmental benefits. Research in nanomaterials is showing great promise in numerous areas, including improved air and water purification, alternative and cleaner fuel and energy sources, more efficient mechanical and manufacturing processes, better medical diagnostics and treatment, and better performing materials.

The speedshape held by Sean Purdy, a research chemist at the Allison Park, Pennsylvania, USA research and development center, has a topcoat of newly developed colorant based on nanotechnology. The nanoparticles are clear, but diffract light to impart color — green and blue in this case, depending on the viewer’s angle — in much the same way nature does.  “Nature often produces color by diffracting light. A peacock feather is an excellent example. It contains no pigment, but comprises a matrix of particles that reflect light so you see color variations depending upon the angle at which you’re viewing it,” Purdy said. “We’ve been able to use nanotechnology to imitate this in our colorants.”

Nanoparticles are those materials with at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers (about 1/80,000 the diameter of a human hair). Nanomaterials often possess different properties than larger particles of the same composition, which makes them of interest to researchers and of potential benefit to society. Nanomaterials are present in the natural environment including volcanic ash and mists from breaking waves in the oceans.

PPG is actively involved in nanotechnology, from Research & Development to the commercialization of several products that either contain nanoparticles within a polymeric matrix structure or are formed as nanostructured films on a substrate by physical or chemical vapor deposition processes

Nano-particles also provide excellent abrasion resistance in automotive coatings, and PPG’s Ceramiclear™ was the world’s first commercial nano-composite automotive clearcoat.  PPG’s SunClean™ Windows are “self-cleaning” and contain an external thin film coating containing nano-particles.

PPG has a program in place to manage the development and implementation of environmental, health and safety aspects of nanomaterials, including participation in industry groups, collaboration with government and non-government groups, and funding of programs critical to the safe and successful manufacture and application of nanotechnology. PPG maintains its commitment to public and environmental stewardship with a major emphasis on fostering nanomaterial technologies that can have a positive impact on society as a whole.


Recent highlights from PPG’s Nanotechnology efforts:

• PPG has developed and implemented guidelines for the handling of nanomaterials within research and development facilities.
   
• PPG is a member of the Nanotechnology Occupational Safety & Health (NOSH) Consortium, comprised of 14 members. This group is working to: 1) develop a nanoparticle generator and characterize the aerosol as a function of time; 2) measure filtration and barrier efficiency of various filter media to specific engineered nanoparticles (e.g. respirator filter media, protective clothing, gloves, etc.) for use in protecting personnel from nano-particles; and 3) develop a prototype device for use in exposure monitoring of nanoparticles in air.
   
• PPG is proactively participating in the legislative process regarding nanotechnology developments. For example, PPG made a presentation regarding nanotechnology risk assessments to the Department of Energy, and PPG has also participated in various US congressional hearings regarding nanotechnology.
   
• PPG currently chairs the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Nanotechnology Panel.
   
• PPG is one of the founding members and sponsors of the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center. PPG serves on the Board of Directors and on the Technical Advisory Committee. The focus of the Center is on driving nanotechnology towards commercialization realization. The Center is committed to fostering active programs to deal with the Environment Health and Safety aspects of nanomaterials, including the safe manufacture, use and handling of nanomaterials.
   
• PPG serves on the Advisory Board for the Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology (NMT) Partnership, a higher education collaborative dedicated to creating and updating a workforce in Pennsylvania trained in the field of nanotechnology.
   
• Nanotechnology is a rapidly evolving technology and there is increasing interest from companies, government, universities, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and the public.  PPG continues its support of:
   
  • the development of data to support/understand nanotechnology hazards
     
  • understanding nanotechnology’s impact throughout the whole product life-cycle
     
  • ensuring that there is minimal impact on human health, the environment and society
     
  • standardization of terms and definitions