Nano-plastics †part of a safer, cleaner age? Storage containers have long had their place in our modern society. For decades we have used airtight, spill-proof and microwavable containers to protect our food and successfully delay the onset of rot. Now a new player has entered the world of plastics, namely nanotechnology. Food is said to stay fresher for far longer, all due to nanoparticles that are embedded into the plastic of thse new-age storage containers. The price is far dearer that of plastic containers and for (in some cases) about four times the amount of money you’d pay for the original, you can also become the proud owner of a nano-coated plastic storage container. What is the foundation of this amazing claim? How can plastic storage containers constructed with the engineered version of silver nanoparticles keep our food fresher (and edible) for longer? The countless atoms of nanoparticle goodness are distributed all over a large mass of the chosen material, and are then exposed on the exterior surface. This enables the particles to react rapidly and with ease with regard to any neighbouring substance. Plainly said, this allows nanoparticles to literally become a million times more efficient than any anti-bacterial coating. Anything, any plastic or artificial material has the potential to become a germ-free surface. The future is now, and it is more than likely already sitting on your shelf at home. How is this all possible? It may have something to do with the brand new techniques being developed by scientists across the globe that includes a transparent, composite paper that is as thin as paper and strong as steel. Currently in production, it is being manufactured by employing a brick and mortar technique that researchers found prevalent in the humble seashell. A glue-like polymer is used to create composite hydrogen bonds which form tight unions between each nano-thin layer. At the current stage of development, it takes more than a good few hours to create a one by one metre square, but developers are confident that this nano-steel paper will be ready within the next one to two years time. Once refined, the potential is virtually limitless. Any material will become a bullet-proof vest and feather-light, yet concrete-strong cars will roll out of the production line. Let us tick back to the humble and stackable storage container. The nano-silver coating used in these containers is also found in washing machines, hair-dryers, hand-held ceramic hair-straightening machines, cling wrap, band-aids, refrigerators, tooth paste and even socks! Apparently, the silver nano thread in socks prevents any malodour and keeps it out of the washing machine for longer. Silver has long been known to have bacteria killing effects and in medieval times, a silver coin was often dropped into milk to keep it fresher for longer. There have been some claims made by environmental agencies which state that by inhaling these silver-nano particles, inflammation and heightened stress can occur. But in the face of scientific endeavour, we are not afraid of these repercussions. While nanotechnology may still be in the design stages for most items, silver nanotechnology is a readily available commodity which can only add benefits to our daily way of life. Take your storage container off the shelf, and replace it with a new, germ free sliver-nano plastic container. Your health is not worth the risk.
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