Nanotechnologies, Hazards and Resource Efficiency

A three-tiered approach to assessing the implications of nanotechnology and influencing its development
2007
ISBN: 978-3-540-73882-4
Verlag: Springer-Verlag GmbH

Buch, Englisch, 271 Seiten, Format (B × H): 159 mm x 243 mm, Gewicht: 1290 g

Nanotechnology is frequently described as an enabling technology and 1 fundamental innovation, i.e. it is expected to lead to numerous innovative developments in the most diverse fields of technology and areas of app- cation in society and the marketplace. The technology, it is believed, has the potential for far-reaching changes that will eventually affect all areas of life. Such changes will doubtlessly have strong repercussions for society and the environment and bring with them not only the desired and intended effects such as innovations in the form of improvements to products, pr- esses and materials; economic growth; new jobs for skilled workers; relief for the environment; and further steps toward sustainable business, but also unexpected and undesirable side effects and consequences. With respect to the time spans in which nanotechnology’s full potential 2 will presumably unfold, M. C. Roco (2002:5) identified the following stages or generations for industrial prototypes and their commercial expl- tation: Past and present: The “coincidental” use of nanotechnology. Carbon black, for example, has been in use for centuries; more specific, isolated applications (catalysts, composites, etc.) have been in use since the early nineties. First generation: Passive nanostructures (ca. 2001). Application p- ticularly in the areas of coatings, nanoparticles, bulk materials (nan- tructured metals, polymers, and ceramics). Second generation: Active nanostructures (ca. 2005). Fields of appli- tion: particularly in transistors, reinforcing agents, adaptive structures, etc.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Steinfeldt, Michael

Gleich, Arnim von

Gleich, Arnim

Petschow, Ulrich

Haum, Rüdiger

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Nanotechnologie
• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Technologie: Soziale & Ethische Aspekte
• Geowissenschaften Umweltwissenschaften Umweltwissenschaften
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Industrie- und Technologiepolitik
• Technische Wissenschaften Maschinenbau | Werkstoffkunde Produktionstechnik Werkzeugbau
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Regierungspolitik Kultur-, Wissenschafts- & Technologiepolitik
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Forschung & Entwicklung (F&E), Innovation
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Quantenphysik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Summary.- Methodological approaches to the prospective assessment.- Technology-specific impacts of nanotechnology.- Assessment of sustainability effects in the context of specific applications.- Formative approaches to a sustainable nanotechnology.- Conclusions, the outlook, and need for action.