How Does Nanotechnology Affect Physical Properties?
Physical properties such as strength, elasticity, and thermal conductivity can change dramatically at the nanoscale:
Mechanical Properties: Nanomaterials can be much stronger than their bulk counterparts. For instance, carbon nanotubes have exceptional tensile strength and elasticity. Thermal Properties: The thermal conductivity of materials like silicon can increase or decrease at the nanoscale, impacting their use in thermal management applications. Optical Properties: The optical properties of materials can change due to quantum effects. For example, gold nanoparticles can appear red or purple instead of yellow.