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Subject: search.filters.subject.Nanotechnology

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    Recycling and disposal of carbon nanotubes
    (2019-10) Naidoo, Denise Radhamani; Singh, Shalini; Kanny, Krishnan
    Nanoparticles may be released throughout the lifecycle of products. Information on the handling, treatment, toxicity and mobility of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is currently minimal. The objectives of the study were to determine the practices employed by nano-organisations for recycling and disposal of CNTs, identify quality management tools to aid responsible development and observe the behaviour, toxicity and leaching potential of CNTs. These objectives would support the development of a strategy for managing the potential environmental risks associated with the recycling and disposal of CNT. A mixed method tactic was adopted for this study. In addition to validated protocols based on OECD guidelines for validity and reliability in experimental work, the validity of the review was achieved by obtaining expert knowledge through scholarly articles and the internal consistency. While the reliability of the review was achieved by monitoring the repetitive information from literature sources and Cronbach alpha. Respondents participating in the survey indicated that there are differing practices for the recycling and disposal of engineered materials (ENMs). The toxicity studies revealed that while the nano-clay had a lethal response to earthworms during the pilot toxicity study, the main toxicity study showed that carbon nanotubes did not have a lethal response to earthworms in soil. However, worms were observed to be highly sensitised to increased concentrations of carbon nanotubes. The leaching in a soil column test showed that the movement of carbon nanotubes was inhibited with the largest portion of carbon nanotubes remaining on the surface and in the topmost layers of the soil. Results pointed to contradicting views with regards to environmental risks amongst people working in the field of nanotechnology. For this reason a continued precautionary approach is suggested until standardised legislation has been enforced for nanotechnology. Future work requires a more detailed understanding of the fate, behaviour, uptake and distribution of CNT in the environment. This can be achieved through the sharing of knowledge between nano-facilities.
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    Business modelling for the quality control and commercialisation of engineered nano-materials
    (2021-08) Hezekiah, Oladimeji; Singh, Shalini
    Nanotechnology is viewed by many as the technology that will create new opportunities for wealth and job creation. Meanwhile, despite nanotechnology’s shuddering of the global economy, breaking into the markets have been increasingly onerous for many reasons. This study investigates emerging applications and the commercialisation of nanotechnology materials. It also deals with the opportunities and challenges associated with the possible acceleration of the commercialisation of applications of nanotechnology materials. Significant factors influencing the acceleration of nanotechnology materials onto the markets were identified through a series of literature reviews and surveys conducted with nanotechnology researchers. Common characteristics for the achievement of the successful commercialisation of nano-induced products were identified. This study adopted a purposive sampling technique. The study population for the survey was made up of active researchers. The reliability test of the survey items was internally consistent with a Cronbach's alpha index of α = 0.926. Qualitative analyses entailed the researchers in nanotechnology who were interviewed through the Delphi technique. Quantitative results were obtained in the study through a hybrid technique of the Analytical Hierarchy Process and the Data Envelopment Analysis (AHP/DEA). This research identified and evaluated several critical factors for the effective commercialisation of nanotechnology and engineered nano-materials (ENMs) through a review of recent and current literature, as well as suggestions of academic experts in nanotechnology through the Delphi method. Thirty-four (34) critical factors grouped into ten (10) dimensions were identified and evaluated for importance and subsequently for priority scaling. The framework for this research used a hybrid approach of the Analytical Hierarchy Process and the Data Envelopment Analysis (AHP/DEA) The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique was implemented in the evaluation of these critical factors for effective nanotechnology commercialisation decision-making. Furthermore, the DEA was suitably used in validating the AHP priority model obtained. This analytical approach provided support for quality control and the commercialisation of the decision-making process. The study concluded by proposing a framework to provide scientific knowledge that will help researchers, technology investors and managers in the commercialisation process of nanotechnology and engineered nanomaterials. A strong recommendation was made for robust fundamental research for viable commercial production and improvement for the enhancement of a nano ethic.