Application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the construction industry: the case of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Nanotechnology is one of the evolving modern technologies, increasingly being adopted in the construction industry. Nanomaterials provide numerous advantages over conventional materials such as improvements in quality and sustainability performance and reduction in cost and time for use. Sri Lanka is geographically rich with mineral resources that contain suitable raw materials for producing nanomaterials. Despite this, adoption of nanotechnology in the Sri Lankan construction industry is low. This paper therefore aims to investigate the availability and application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Considering the novelty of the area, a qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in the field of nanotechnology to gather the required data and content analysis techniques were used to analyze the qualitative data collected. The study findings reveal that nanomaterials can be produced using locally available mineral resources. However, Sri Lanka is yet to realize the optimum value from its mineral resources that can be used in the production of nanomaterials. Further empirical opinions regarding the feasibility of producing nanomaterials in Sri Lanka are also offered through this research.