Title :
Environmental assessment of manufacturing with carbon nanotubes
Author :
Dahlben, Lindsay J. ; Isaacs, Jacqueline A.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Mech. & Ind. Eng., Northeastern Univ., Boston, MA, USA
Abstract :
Given the uncertain environmental, health, and safety risks for using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), it is prudent to assess the environmental attributes of nanomanufacturing processes using CNTs while in the developmental phase. This information can provide insights for development of safe, economically competitive, and environmentally responsible nanotechnologies. Environmental assessments of manufacturing two CNT applications were investigated: a CNT switch and a CNT-polymer mesh. Results indicate significant environmental impact contribution to airborne inorganics, climate change, and fossil fuels due to materials used in cleansing processes and significant electricity consumption.
Keywords :
carbon nanotubes; nanotechnology; carbon nanotubes; environmental assessments; life cycle assessment; nanomanufacturing processes; nanotechnology; Carbon nanotubes; Energy consumption; Environmental economics; Fossil fuels; Fuel economy; Health and safety; Inorganic materials; Manufacturing; Phase change materials; Switches; Carbon nanotubes; environmental impact; life cycle assessment; nanotechnology;
Conference_Titel :
Sustainable Systems and Technology, 2009. ISSST '09. IEEE International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Phoenix, AZ
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-4324-6
DOI :
10.1109/ISSST.2009.5156767
