Graphene a game changer in construction and cost

Carbon-the 4th largest element has its existence in different forms. I remember, our Science School teacher used to ask us a frequent question-what are allotrope forms of carbon? And we were taught its two famous forms-Graphite (used in Pencils) and Diamond (used in Jewelry). In recent three decades, we have been able to discover its three more versatile forms, all having a wide band of physical properties and fortunately all are in nano-dimensions. Out of which, the 2-dimensional Graphene structure dominates because of its flexibility to be turned into all other structures of carbon. Graphene is a flat single layer of carbon atoms that are tightly packed into a 2-dimensional honeycomb lattice. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a new graphene material that is one of the strongest while also being lightweight. It is 10-times stronger than steel with only 5% of its density. It was mechanically tested for its tensile and compression properties and its response under loading was much better as expected, paving the way for its use in creating large structures. Nanotechnology in innovative infrastructure systems has the potential to transform the construction practice and dilate the vision of housing in the country and beyond. New nano-materials with unique properties, stronger, lighter, fire insulator, self-disinfecting surfaces, self cleaning surfaces, sensing and light harvesting are cheaper and readily available. It is not just limited to graphene. Another series of research is also going on even in our Laboratory (SLMN) at NIT Srinagar in Collaboration with Prof M S Mir to use the materials in the construction of roads. Many companies are introducing nanocement and new cement composites are also being developed by incorporating in them titania (TiO2), silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3).
The new materials potentially can also make cars and airplanes lighter and more fuel efficient without compromising strength and safety. Similarly, nano paints are being developed that significantly boost the resistance coatings against the aggressive environments. Sons of the soil, Prof Mir Faizal, Shri Salman and Shri Naveed are a competent group working on graphene and its properties for different use. More so, the important point of introspection is to focus on the things we really need before constructing house. The bigger the homes build, the higher the cost and higher the material used. Calculation of cost is just a simple mathematics. It is expensive, not just because of land prices, but also due to the cost of building materials and the cost of the labour. Even in near future we have to pay a heavy price for the water we use for construction. Nanotechnology can address the above issues in one go. While having a detailed discussion with one of the well wisher, who is a bright BITSian and friend from SPA, Vijaywada, who will prepare a prototype for housing in Kashmir, I am inspired to write how we can save huge money while constructing our dream houses. The bottom line is that the government should come up with a plan of granting permission to houses as per requirement of the family and the use of new materials, which are durable, economic and safe. It will not save the construction material, but more importantly, the pure water which we use unethically and unreasonably. Although, I tried to incorporate the use of nano materials in construction but there needs a deeper understanding to educate people about many uncontrollable issues which the world will confront in near future.
( The author is a Senior Associate Professor Special Laboratory for Multifunctional Nanomaterials (SLMN), at P.G Department of Physics at National Institute of Technology -NIT Srinagar. Views are his own)
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