Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art
I enjoyed this week's guest lectures with James Gimzewski because it made me realize how nanotechnology is something that is so integrated into our society and every day life without even knowing it. It is so complex, but the structure is also so simple and has been useful in creating new products, medicines, etc. These structures are found in nature, and with the developments in technology recently, we can now see what is basically invisible and use it for even more advancements.
The part that I found most interesting was the video about nanoparticles, specifically the lotus leaf effect. He described the ways that scientists use nanotechnology to change the nano-structured surface to resemble that of a lotus leaf so that things like water, grease or oil do not stick to it, but rather slide off of the surface completely. This technology has affected much of the fashion industry with the creation of self-cleaning fabrics; however, I have also seen this in the swimwear industry as well. As a competitive swimmer my whole life, I have seen this technology also used to make the swimsuits that we would wear for our important races and swim meets. Several brands created these, but the most well known was called the Speedo LZR, known as the "record breaking swimsuit", and it is basically an extremely skin-tight racing swimsuit that completely repels water so that the swimmers can move faster through it. The material is almost paper thin and very difficult to put on, and they use the lotus leaf effect so that the swimmers are more efficient in the water.
Resources:
Amanda Kooser May 23, 2014 10:13 AM PDT @akooser. "Hydrophobic nanotech swim trunks defy water, stains." CNET. N.p., 23 May 2014. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://www.cnet.com/news/hydrophobic-swim-trunks-have-nanotech-that-wont-wash-out/>.
"Art in the age of nanotechnology." Art.Base. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
Deborah Belgum | Friday, January 8, 2016. "California Apparel News." Speedo USA Dives Into Innovation and Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://www.apparelnews.net/news/2016/jan/08/speedo-usa-dives-innovation-and-technology/>.
Morrison, Jim. "How Speedo Created a Record-Breaking Swimsuit." Scientific American. N.p., 27 July 2012. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-speedo-created-swimsuit/>.
Roberts, Wesley. "New Water Repelling Nanotech Swimsuits Hit The Market." TechFragments. N.p., 03 Mar. 2009. Web. 22 May 2017. <http://techfragments.com/new-water-repelling-nanotech-swimsuits-hit-the-market/>.
Photo from rsc.org
The part that I found most interesting was the video about nanoparticles, specifically the lotus leaf effect. He described the ways that scientists use nanotechnology to change the nano-structured surface to resemble that of a lotus leaf so that things like water, grease or oil do not stick to it, but rather slide off of the surface completely. This technology has affected much of the fashion industry with the creation of self-cleaning fabrics; however, I have also seen this in the swimwear industry as well. As a competitive swimmer my whole life, I have seen this technology also used to make the swimsuits that we would wear for our important races and swim meets. Several brands created these, but the most well known was called the Speedo LZR, known as the "record breaking swimsuit", and it is basically an extremely skin-tight racing swimsuit that completely repels water so that the swimmers can move faster through it. The material is almost paper thin and very difficult to put on, and they use the lotus leaf effect so that the swimmers are more efficient in the water.
Photo from swimmer.com.au
Photo from alamy.com
Amanda Kooser May 23, 2014 10:13 AM PDT @akooser. "Hydrophobic nanotech swim trunks defy water, stains." CNET. N.p., 23 May 2014. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://www.cnet.com/news/hydrophobic-swim-trunks-have-nanotech-that-wont-wash-out/>.
"Art in the age of nanotechnology." Art.Base. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
Deborah Belgum | Friday, January 8, 2016. "California Apparel News." Speedo USA Dives Into Innovation and Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://www.apparelnews.net/news/2016/jan/08/speedo-usa-dives-innovation-and-technology/>.
Morrison, Jim. "How Speedo Created a Record-Breaking Swimsuit." Scientific American. N.p., 27 July 2012. Web. 22 May 2017. <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-speedo-created-swimsuit/>.
Roberts, Wesley. "New Water Repelling Nanotech Swimsuits Hit The Market." TechFragments. N.p., 03 Mar. 2009. Web. 22 May 2017. <http://techfragments.com/new-water-repelling-nanotech-swimsuits-hit-the-market/>.
I find it interesting that you related the lotus leaf effect to the swimsuits of swimmers. I had no idea that things like nanoparticles and the different capabilities that they have could be utilized in something as common as a swimsuit--even though it is a specially made one.
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