Researcher forms waterproof, antibacterial and magnetic paper via nanotechnology

Imagine a piece of paper that is waterproof, antibacterial and magnetic but at the same time keeps up paper’s basic properties. Well, the paper can be used to print, draw on and produce books, magazines and newspapers. A scientist namely Dr. Roberto Cingolani from the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia of Italy and his team have developed a technology to form that type of paper.

Waterproof paper

No change in the basic properties of paper means it doesn't undergo any chemical monstrosity. Instead, the researchers have utilized a nanotechnology to turn the normal paper waterproof, antibacterial, magnetic, florescent and much more. The base of the process is in gathering single molecules in paper and connecting with specific nanoparticles to form a polymer matrix, which needs to be disbanded with a variety of solutions.

The nanotech process changes the trait of paper as per the nature of nanoparticles added to the polymer matrix. If iron oxide nanoparticles are added the paper will turn magnetic and if silver nanoparticles are added it will turn to antibacterial. Yes, various nanoparticles will change the properties of the paper in accordance with their nature. The change doesn’t create a surface over the paper, it really develops a soft 3D shell around the fibers of the paper.

According to Cingolani, papers with various attributes have different uses. Antibacterial paper is highly important in medical applications and food packaging industries. Waterproof papers could help safeguard cultural heritages and important documents like certificates and others. Magnetic and fluorescent papers also have their own special uses in various industries. That is why the nanotech is really worthy.

Via: Forbes