Nanotechnology in the Military

Our future is the nanotechnology

It is generally agreed that nanotechnology supposes a big advance in science and technology, opening innumerable doors to its diverse applications. As already mentioned in other occasions, nanotechnology addresses from mobile telephony to medicine, including then the Military: from weapons to perfect defenses.
The fact that nanotechnology is raising up a new world is undeniable. Many products containing nanoparticles are on the market, and industries and governments are investing in nanotechnology. Like it or not, it's the future.

Nanotechnology in the Military: Potential applications

The main objetives of applying nanotechnology in the military are to improve the security of the soldiers and citizens, and also to develop strong, light and multifunctional materials that soldiers could use for their purposes.
One of the applications is to implement nanotechnology in body armour. Different technologies have been studied, for example the use of iron nanoparticles inserted in oil which hardens on stimulation with an electrical pulse. Also, a big advance is the use of Silicon Dioxide in a liquid polymer, which hardens when a bullet hits.
On the other hand, there are a lot of long-term applications, which will depend on the nanomaterials that are used. Among these applications we find the use of nanomachines capable of imitating human muscle action in an exoskeleton. Besides that, there are so many scientists trying to develop adaptive structures and adaptive camouflage. Finally, we find a possible use of nanotechnology in making self-repairing material.

Recent Advances

Zyvex Technologies has developed a bout made by carbon fibre nanocomposite materials. This kind of materials are 40% stronger and 75% lighter than aluminium, making this boat capable of staying at sea for a long period of time.
Also, is being studied the possibility of developing highly sensitive infrared thermal sensors. The use of nanotechnology in sensors make them smaller and more sensitive. Finally, related with sensors, health-monitoring sensors and drug delivery systems are being developed.

References: