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If you spent your formative years anywhere near a TV or movie theater, it's likely
that at one time or another you were fed images of the early 21st century depicting
people flying to work strapped to their jetpacks, or perhaps using a transporter device
to beam themselves up to an orbiting starship waiting to whisk them off to a place far
beyond our current reach.
Well, in case you haven't kept up on current events, the jetpack highway is not yet a
reality, and the only long-distance transporting happening these days is handled by FedEx,
UPS and the major airline of your choice. Still, that doesn't mean that space-age technology
isn't being used today. As the latest evolution in science, nanotechnology has become the
wave of the future—right now.
Nano Nano
In the constant struggle to improve on the performance of existing technologies, nanotechnology
is leading the charge. Based on the prefix "nano", which means one billionth, nanotechnology
refers to the manipulation of particles one billionth the size of a meter. To put it in perspective,
one nanometer is roughly 1/75,000th the width of a human hair. But what can you do with particles
that truly redefine the term microscopic? The possibilities are almost endless.
Of the 30 companies listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Index, 19 are currently working on programs
involving nanotechnology. And at present time, there is an estimated $13 million in products already
on the market that utilize the benefits of nanotechnology, a number that is expected to swell to
$292 billion by the end of 2010.
This cutting-edge technology is now reaching every corner of manufacturing and science. Medical
researchers are now using it in efforts to modify our DNA in gene therapy aimed at curing disease.
In computers, industry leader Intel is using nano-coating on select components to increase surface
area. The high-tech coating improves heat dissipation and, along with it, overall performance. Even
sporting goods manufacturers are getting into the nano game, as alpine ski maker Atomic is now using
nano-enhanced materials to produce stronger, lighter skis.
Nano Car Care
When it comes to car care, the benefits of nanotechnology over conventional products are vast.
Exciting new products for waxing, polishing and protecting are providing undisputed results. The
most obvious benefit occurs in waxes using nano-sized particles. By utilizing smaller building
blocks, nano-waxes can fill even the smallest scratches and swirl marks in the paint. Through
increased surface contact, nano-waxes also attain better anchorage—that is, they stick to your
paint better for longer lasting results. The same is true with nano-based metal polishes and their
ability to fill, or remove, minor imperfections.
Think of it as filling a hole with sand instead of large rocks. The sand is able to fill every
contour of the hole, providing a smooth, even surface. While the rocks on the other hand, will
have dramatically less contact with the lining of the hole leaving some cracks and corners unfilled.
Due to their reduced friction, they can be easily moved and will result in a comparatively rough
plane across the top. That's not exactly the type of behavior you want in your car wax.
Nanotechnology is also being used to help keep your interior in prime condition. Leather cleaners
and conditioners using these nano-size particles, are able to penetrate much deeper than traditional
solutions, leaving your car's leather or vinyl upholstery looking and feeling like new.
Of course, this technology is a long way from setting your phazers on stun, and it won't help Scotty
beam anyone up in the near future. But it is opening new opportunities in the world of car care that
are sure to keep your car shining like new well into the future.
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This simple spray-on wax makes it easier than ever to get that just hand-waxed look. Wax your car as you dry it!
