Michael Steinfeldt, Arnim von Gleich, Ulrich Petschow

Nanotechnologies, Hazards and Resource Efficiency

A Three-Tiered Approach to Assessing the Implications of Nanotechnology and Influencing its Development

• Gebundenes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

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 prototypesand 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.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Springer / Springer Berlin Heidelberg / Springer, Berlin
• Artikelnr. des Verlages: 978-3-540-73882-4
• Seitenzahl: 271
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 235mm x 155mm
• Gewicht: 594g
• ISBN-13: 9783540738824
• ISBN-10: 3540738827
• Artikelnr.: 23029644

Autorenporträt

Dr. Arnim von Gleich ist Professor für Technikbewertung an der Fachhochschule Hamburg.

Inhaltsangabe

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.