I found an interesting article in the SZ of November, 19th: nano technology is supposed to help concrete to become “intelligent”. The weight of cars can be determined and speeding violations can be immediately identified.
In the article, the new invention is called the new super asphalt. Now, the scientists want to test the long-time stability of their new concrete and its characteristics in wet weather.
What the report does not say is whether the following issues are also looked into: What abrasion does the speedy asphalt have? Will there be (nano) respirable dust? What sort of whirling will the doubtless very light-weight nano capsules made of carbon dioxide execute? How will the nano concrete be recycled? That gives me pause. We have the ethical responsibility to ask and answer these kinds of questions during the early phases of development.
To me, this stirs memories of asbestos as protection against heat. There was a time when we used it for construction in huge quantities. Today, universities, schools and public buildings have to be torn down. Even the pride of the GDR, the Palast der Republik, fell victim to the general demolition plans.
I have no idea if the nano capsules are as “easy” to recycle as asbestos. But I would like to find out!
RMD
(Translated by EG)
I took the nice “palace” picture of 1977 from the central media archive of Wikimedia Commons. The copyright is with Istvan [3].
Here are two links on nano technology:
- Nanotechnologie – Winzlinge mit großem Gefahrenpotential
- Umstrittene Technologie – Da steckt Nano drin
I very much recommend you read them.
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