NANOTECHNOLOGY The Next Industrial Revolution Military and Societal

NANOTECHNOLOGY The Next Industrial Revolution Military and Societal Implications COL John P. Mc. Guinness USAWC Fellow United States Army Environment Policy Institute

Overview Introduction Caveats Milestones ESOH risks and benefits Societal and defense implications Predictions Recommendations

Introduction

Caveats Nanotechnology represents a convergence of disciplines Its arrival will be gradual Nanotechnology will be met by resistance

Nano. One billionth

Basic Definitions - Nanoparticle - Nanotube - Buckyball - Quantum dot - Molecular assembly - Massive parallelism

Nanoparticle - Less than 100 nanometers Much greater surface Much more reactive Governed by rules of quantum physics

Carbon Nanotube 100 x stronger than steel Strength to weight ratio 500 x greater than aluminum Electrical conductor and nonconductor Directional heat conduction

Buckyball Hollow Accepts coatings Penetrates biomembranes

Quantum Dot A novel semiconductor with unique optical transmission characteristics Formed from a few hundred atoms Can be made from many substances May be designed to fluoresce in color

Molecular Assembly The process by which structures are assembled one molecule at a time.

Massive Parallelism A massive number of molecular assemblers working in concert.

Milestones in Nanotechnology 1959: Richard Feynman presents concept 1974: named by Norio Taniguchi 1981: Binnig and Rohrer invent STM 1986: K. Eric Drexler, Engines of Creation 1995: RAND study offers criteria 2000: National Nanotechnology Initiative 2002: Crichton published Prey

Environmental Benefits of Nanotechnology Decrease in waste products and waste energy Scavenging devices Improved detection of contaminants

Environmental Risks of Nanotechnology represents a new risk May damage lungs May damage digestive systems

Sustainability Not rely on extracted substances Not promote an increase in waste products No physical degradation of the environment Meet human needs

Regulatory Authority Environmental Protection Agency Occupational Safety and Health Agency Toxic Substances Control Act

Societal Implications Clean water is widely available National advantages will be negated Populations will shift Human rights questions Governance may change New notions of corporate profit Ideology is more prominent!

Nanotechnology will not change Notions of racial superiority Territorial envy Need for markets

Defense Nanotechnology can offer some major benefits: - New materials - New weapons - Enhanced logistics - Improved battlefield awareness - Opportunity to be born joint

Nanotechnology Significant challenges: Civil and economic disruption or catastrophe Tactical threat

Foreign Programs Iran China India Others

Army Programs - Army Research Office (ARO) - Institute for Soldier Nanotechnology (ISN)

The Army can shape the development of nanotechnology - Develop specific items - Establishment of standards and practices - Acquisition policies

Predictions for Nanotechnology 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Much to learn We have competition Multiple sites Will change our lives Will be weaponized

Recommendations 1. The Army must develop a nanotechnology focus. 2. Continue research, especially into ESOH implications 3. Seek to identify unintended consequences 4. Evaluate nano machines as chemical agents 5. Employ nanotechnology in gaming scenarios

Conclusion Technology, by itself, is neither good nor bad and like it or not, nanotechnology is coming.

DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology This is an opportunity to get ahead of an emerging issue and avoid future costs. - no more Hanfords - no more Rocky Mountain Arsenal - no more Camp Edwards

DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Seek to influence “shopping list” - contaminant detectors - resistant coatings - toxin detectors - physiological monitors - water filters - active scavengers

DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Develop protective measures: - focal point for nanotechnology issues in DA and other services - start to draft nanotechnology protection guidelines - invite participation from public, NGOs, concerned community and academe

DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Seek to influence acquisition process: - insure contractors follow best practices - cradle to grave - call for RFPs to satisfy essential rule requirements

DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Must stay informed: - identify, designate or recruit a nano expert on the staff - monitor lexis nexus - attend participate in nano conferences - monitor ESOH literature for relevant developments - assess the business viability of emerging nanotechnology

DASA(ESOH) and Nanotechnology Areas for further exploration: - status of nanoweapons under CWC - infrastructure requirements for United States to maintain technological dominance: human, technical and educational over 5/10/20 years

Desktop Factory

Sustainability

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