Tag Archives: NANOTEC

NANOTEC’s creative lifestyle and culture theme for Nanotech 2014 exhibition and conference in Tokyo

A Nov. 22, 2013 news item on Nanowerk announces plans for Thailand’s participation at one of the world’s largest nanotechnology events, the 13th International Nanotechnology Exhibition and Conference; Nanotech 2014 in Tokyo, Japan,

Preparations are on the way at NANOTEC [Thailand’s agency for nanotechnology development] as it begins the tasks of preparing for nanotech 2014 at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan which is scheduled for January 29 to 31. The Thailand team is coming to the show with elevated confidence as the team received a Special Award for its leading role in developing unique and innovative technology and products that have societal and economic impacts in the 2013 event.

The undated NANOTEC notice,, which originated the news item, goes to describe this year’s theme,

The Thailand team led by Prof. Dr. Pairash Thajchayapong, Specialist and Senior Advisor to NSTDA and Chairman of NANOTEC Executive Board, and Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director will showcase research initiatives under the theme “Nanotechnology in Thailand: Creative Lifestyle and Culture”.

The Thailand pavillion at nanotech 2014.“Visitors to the Thailand Pavilion will be able to easily follow the exhibition and understand the research findings as the display will be group in 3 zones: Innovation, Living, and Culture” said Prof. Sirirurg. “We want to show that by incorporating nanotechnology to practical and down-to-earth productions, SMEs can up their “value chain” production process to increase competitiveness in global market”.The Thailand team is looking to welcoming visitors to their show at nanotech 2014 in Japan.

Here’s what I believe to be a model of the proposed pavilion,

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Thailand’s theme for Nanotech 2012 was natural disaster relief as per my Dec. 6, 2011 posting, I last wrote about NANOTEC in an August 8, 2013 posting about its 10th anniversary.

ETa Dec. 6, 2013: NANOTEC has announced another event during nanotech 2014 in Tokyo, Japan as per this Dec. 5, 2013 news item on Nanotechnology Now,

Thailand is willing to tell it all at the Seed and Need Seminar on January 31 during nanotech 2014 at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan. The title of the presentation is “Nanotechnology Development in Thailand”.

Meanwhile, Thailand is experiencing a temporary cessation of the violent protests which have overtaken the country since Nov. 24, 2013 according to a Dec. 5, 2013 item on BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) News online,

Thailand is marking the 86th birthday of the revered king amid a truce after days of violent protests in Bangkok.

Speaking at his palace in the coastal resort of Hua Hin, the king said that Thailand had been peaceful because of the unity of the people.

There were violent clashes earlier in the week between police and protesters.

The demonstrators, who are demanding that the current government resign, began protesting on 24 November.

They agreed to stop their attacks on government buildings for the birthday celebrations, but have said they will be back right after them.

Thailand’s NANOTEC celebrates10th anniversary

Congratulations to Thailand’s NANOTEC (National Nanotechnology Center) on reaching its 10th anniversary. According to an Aug. 7, 2013 news item on Nanowerk, the center was founded on Aug. 13, 2003,

Ten years have gone by quickly proving the saying that “time and tide wait for no man”. It was on August 13, 2003 that the Thai government approved the setup of the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) under National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA),

Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D.,Ph.D,NANOTEC Executive Director, provides an overview of the last 10 years and some hints about future prospects in his About Us message,

NANOTEC has come a long way since then and several accomplishments have come to bear. In the area of human resource, NANOTEC have successfully up its research pool to over 100 researchers and assistant researchers, carrying out research at our headquarters at Thailand Science Park. This is equivalent to 70% of the total NANOTEC staff. With regards to publication, NANOTEC researchers have published a total of 357 international publications. This is considered a significant number given our researcher pool.

NANOTEC research highlights have been forth coming in the last few years. This is normal as research projects takes time to complete. Some of the highlight projects include the SOS mobile water purification unit, the nano cosmeceutical QAcne pad made from encapsulation of mangosten extract, the Nano Bednet which contain nano scale long-lasting formulation of mosquito-insecticide, nano functional fabrics, controlled release fertilizer, and smart soil made from water hyacinth.

The last ten years have also seen an increase in the number of collaborative partnerships both local and international. The establishment of the Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology (COEs) with 8 leading Thai universities continues to help us leap frog our research initiatives. These partnerships have greatly helped to broaden our look on research from global aspects. NANOTEC also established strategic alliance with international nanotechnology centers and is playing leading role as one of the world-leading institutes.

So, what is in store for NANOTEC in the coming 10 years? We will continue to concentrate our focus on R&D programs that will have impacts. In order to do this, we will initiate the Flagship program approach in which all researchers are encouraged to participate. ….

You can find out more about NANOTEC and its current doings on its homepage.

Thailand’s NANOTEC develops nanotechnology-enabled solutions for addressing natural disasters

Thailand  has invested heavily in nanotechnology research and, as noted in my Dec. 6, 2011 posting, the country’s National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) has made disaster mitigation solutions a major focus. An undated (June 2012?) news release at the NANOTEC website describes a new water purification system (SOS mobile water purification system) that’s been developed,

Researchers at Thailand’s National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) have build the first locally made prototype solar powered water purification unit “SOS water” which combined the use of antimicrobial nanocoating to ceramic filters. Compared to conventional ceramic filter, an antimicrobial nanocoating ceramic filter will increase an extra security by killing or incapacitating bacteria left in the water and preventing the growth of mold and algae in the body of the filter. The project was implemented as a result of the need to provide drinking water to communities affected by the 2011 mega flooding in Thailand.

The researchers adapted the antimicrobial nanocoating know-how for water filtration and assembled into in the production of mobile solar-operating system (SOS) water purification. The raw water goes through 6 filtration steps one of which is the antimicrobial nanocoating ceramic filtration unit. The quality of drinking water meets the 2010 guide standard of drinking water by Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. The SOS water system is capable of producing 200 liters of drinking water per hour and easily integrated into a pick-up, light truck, a trailer or a flat hull boat. The researchers have collaborated with the Thai Red Cross Society to do field testing of a prototype SOS water the result of which was outstanding. NANOTEC has donated the prototype SOS water to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society on June 28, 2012 for community relief effort. Also attending the royal ceremony was Dr. Plodprasob Suraswadi, Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. Pairash Thajchayapong, Chairman of NANOTEC Executive Board, and Dr. Thaweesak Koanantakool, President of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).

“The 2011 flood in Thailand was an eye opener for both the public and the government sector and we are glad to be in a position to utilize our research capabilities to help minimize the suffering of rural communities during the recent flooding” said Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director of NANOTEC. “It is our hope that the SOS water will become a must-have item for national relief effort and rural community use”.

Dr. Chamorn Chawengkijwanich, researcher at NANOTEC and head of SOS water project informed that silver atoms are chemically bonded to the ceramic’s filter surface. The filtering function is long lasting and there no traces of silver particles are detected in the drinking water. SOS water is a stand alone unit which can be setup and operated using solar energy within 10-15 minutes.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has produced a 6.5 min. video highlighting the SOS water purification system and other disaster relief innovations such as a replacement for traditional sand bags (nSacks) and a new type of mosquito netting to protect against malaria (if your country has suffered massive floods as they did in Thailand in 2011, the standing water provides a new breeding ground for mosquitos and an increased likelihood of malaria).

European and Asian science get cozy

The Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) meeting scheduled July 11 – 15, 2012 in Dublin, Ireland features a session on titled ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) – EU (European Union) Partnership Symposium: A Year of Science. Few details are available in the programme but I have found more information in a Feb. 23, 2012 news item on Nanowerk about Thailand’s NANOTEC,

NANOTEC researchers participated as speakers during the visit of science journalist from 8 European nations. The visit is organized under the umbrella of the FP7 funded SEA-EU-NET project, in which NSTDA [Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency]  is a partner, and the ASEAN-EU Year of Science, Technology and Innovation 2012.

I guess it makes a certain kind of sense that I found out more about ASEAN in a news item originating from Thailand as it turns out that ASEAN was founded in Thailand in 1967. Meanwhile, the SEA-EU-NET website provides some insight into this ‘alphabet soup’ of international scientific cooperation (from the home page),

We are deepening S&T [science and technology] cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia in a strategic manner by identifying opportunities for S&T cooperation, creating a policy dialogue between the countries of Europe and Southeast Asia on S&T cooperation, and increasing the participation of researchers from Southeast Asia in the EC’s Seventh Framework programme (FP7). FP7 is the European Commission’s €53 billion programme for funding research and is open to Southeast Asia partners across research institutions, universities, and industry (including SMEs).

Here’s a bit more about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ and European Union’s Science and Technology Year 2012,

The EU-ASEAN Year of STI 2012 is a SEA-EU-NET activity which was launched in November 2011 and will be carried out during 2012. Offering a plattform for the bi-regional STI dialogue, this activity coordinates a wide variety of joint scientific and technological events.

I hope I can get to Dublin to hear more about this ASEAN – EU effort.

Thailand, nanotechnology, and natural disaster relief

Nanotech 2012 in Japan will serve as a platform for Thailand’s natural disaster mitigation business and partnership initiatives. From the Dec. 6, 2011 news item on Nanowerk,

The National Center for Nanotechnology (NANOTEC) has decided to use the upcoming nanotech 2012 in Tokyo, Japan as a platform to share, exchange knowledge, and seek business partnership in natural disaster mitigation under the theme “Thailand: Nanotechnology for Natural Disaster Mitigation” from February 15-17 in Tokyo Big Sight.

“The recent flooding in Thailand according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department is the worst case in over 50 years” said Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director of NANOTEC. “The more than three- month flooding has claimed the lives of 602 people and affecting more than 13 million, or one in every five Thais”.

They will be looking to establish partnerships and discuss opportunities. From news item,

At nanotech 2012, NANOTEC will showcase 6 research topics related to natural disaster mitigation:

1. Clean Water

2. Mosquito repellent

3. Leptospirosis test kit

4. nSack as replacement for sand bags

5. nClean products for use in Big-Cleaning Day activities

6. nGuard for air-conditioned filtration

I imagine a lot of interest from the Japanese in these technologies given the natural and other disasters they too have suffered this year.  According to the home page for Nanotech 2012, this year’s exhibition (Feb. 15-17, 2012) will take place despite the recent earthquake in east Japan.

University of Waterloo wins 2nd prize in Global Nano Innovation Contest

Cameron Chai’s Oct. 11, 2011 news article about a Global Nano Innovation contest mentions the University of Waterloo (located in Ontario, Canada),

The second prize has gone to the University of Waterloo for its work titled ‘Nanosensors for X-ray Radiation Dosimetry in a Wireless Network’ and NASA received the third prize for its work titled ’A Nano Chemical Sensor in a Cell Phone’.

1st prize went to IBM for its entry, Graphene Nanoelectronics: Wafer Scale Single Atomic Layer Carbon RF Devices and Circuits.

The contest was initiated by Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute and coordinated by their POP (Prototype On Prototype) division. From the POP website describing the contest,

Overview

The 2011 Global Nano Innovation Contest–Prototype on Prototype was initiated by Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). In addition to the support from a number of institutions in different countries, both National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Program (NNP), and Taiwan Nanotechnology Industry Development Association (TANIDA) are severed [sic] as the co-organizers.

The organizers will provide 3-minute videos demonstrating the process of creating a prototype from the concept to final manufacturing based on nanotechnology. The videos are provided as templates for the contestants, but mainly as points of reference.

In the upcoming Global Nano Innovation Contest, participants can submit their own ideas based on concepts from the video to create and design their own products. You may integrate any of the prototypes into a more sophisticated system or application with potential commercial value, which is the spirit of prototype on prototype (POP).

Goals

  • Develop nanotechnology prototyping capability for practical applications with universal appeal.
  • Emphasize higher, system-level integration of prototypes, to spur the creation of a wider diversity of high-value nanotechnology applications.
  • Establish an international platform promoting collaboration on nanotechnology.

Organizers

Initiating organizer:

  • Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

Co-organizers:

  • Taiwan National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Program office (NNP)
  • Taiwan Nanotechnology Industry Development Association (TANIDA)
  • National Chiao Tung University (NCTU)
  • National Chung Cheng University (CCU)
  • National Nanotechnology Center, NSTDA,Thailand (NANOTEC)

Congratulations to all the winners!

Sweating out silver nanoparticles

I’ve often wondered if the  silver nanoparticles, which coat the textiles used for clothing that doesn’t smell or need to be cleaned often, gets washed off by your sweat. As Michael Berger noted in his November 4, 2009 article on Nanowerk, researchers have found that silver nanoparticles do get washed off into the water,

Researchers in Switzerland have now examined what happens to these silver nanoparticle-treated textiles during washing. The scientists studied release of nanoparticles in laundry water from nine different textiles, including different brands of commercially available anti-odor socks. Studies like these will help address the question what the chances are of nanoparticles from nanofinished textiles being released into the environment.

“We found that the total released varied considerably from less than 1 to 45 percent of the total nanosilver in the fabric and that most came out during the first wash,” Bernd Nowack, head of the Environmental Risk Assessment and Management Group at the Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, tells Nanowerk. “These results have important implications for the risk assessment of silver textiles and also for environmental fate studies of nanosilver, because they show that under certain conditions relevant to washing, primarily coarse silver-containing particles are released.”

As it turns out, Thai researchers have recently discovered that sweat will also wash off those silver nanoparticles (from the news item on Nanowerk),

A recent study by researchers at National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) in Thailand has provided the data on detecting silver released from antibacterial fabric products using artificial sweat as a model to represent the human skin environment.

“The amount of silver released from fabrics into artificial sweat was dependent upon the initial amount of silver coating, the fabric quality, pH and artificial sweat formulations “said Dr Rawiwan Maniratanachote, head of Nano Safety and Risk Assessment Lab. “The study could be useful to evaluate potential human risk when exposed to silver nanoparticles from textile materials.”

I guess the next couple of questions to be answered are: do the silver nanoparticles being washing off by your sweat penetrate your skin and/or do the silver nanoparticles wash off your skin and into the water supply?

Thailand’s National Nanotechnology Centre makes an announcement

In light of my recent posting (July 9, 2010) where I lamented the dearth of information from Canada’s National Institute of Nanotechnology, I feel obliged to note that I now have gotten more information from Thailand’s National Nanotechnology Center this year than I have from our own. There’s this news item on Nanowerk,

Researchers at Thailand’s National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), Nanoscale Simulation Laboratory are investigating the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the methanolysis and hydrolysis reactions of glycerol triacetate or triacetin, using Density Functional Theory (DFT).

In a recent study, which was published in May 2010 by Journal of Molecular Structure: THEOCHEM (“A DFT investigation of methanolysis and hydrolysis of triacetin”), the authors demonstrated that twelve elementary steps of triacetin methanolysis were studied under acid-catalyzed and base-catalyzed conditions.

As to why this area is of interest, Dr Yuthana Tantirungrotechai, Head of NANOTEC Nanoscale Simulation Lab notes,

“We believe the basic understanding on the methanolysis and its competing hydrolysis reaction of triacylglycerol compounds at the molecular level is essential for the development of biodiesel production” said Dr Yuthana.

Congratulations!