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Nanotechnology is engineering conducted at a subatomic level. It has been used to make a variety of things and recently it has been considered in the manufacture of mattresses.
Types Of Nanomaterial.
Nanomaterials can be broadly classified into four types:
1 – Carbon-Based Materials.
These materials are mainly made of carbon. They mainly take the form of hollow spheres or tubes. Spherical carbon nanomaterials are called fullerenes while cylinder-like ones are known as nanotubes.
Carbon particles have a wide range of uses. They are used to make strong and light materials, such as supercar body panels, and they are also applied in electronics.
2 -Metal based materials.
These materials include nanogold and metal oxides.
3 – Dendrimers
These nanomaterials are built from polymers with specific compositions that can be used for different functions. Dendrimers are mainly used in drug delivery.
4 – Composites
Composites are combinations of different nanomaterials or combinations of nanomaterials with bulkier materials. This is done to enhance a particular aspect of the material. For example, it can be done to increase the heat conductivity of a particular material.
Nanotechnology and Mattress Manufacture
The origins
The idea of using nanotech to manufacture mattresses was first explored by researchers from the University of Florida in conjunction with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. They used nanotubes to manufacture a mattress.
The tubes combined to form a material that was far much better than the best material for making mattresses; memory foam. The nanotech mattress was of a higher quality than memory foam but both materials look identical.
Features of the Mattress
Quality
The scientists explained that by using nanotechnology they came up with thin sheets of carbon tubes. These sheets were then combined to create a foam-like substance that looked and behaved like memory foam.
The key difference was in the quality of the nanotech mattress. It recovered shape much faster than memory foam. It also does not collapse under the weight.
To further show the quality of the material the mattress was compressed to about 1/6th of its original size. The mattress then rebounded back to its original size after compression ended. There was no evidence of compression ever happening.
Protection and appearance
The researchers also focused on appearance and protection for the mattress. They used fibers called nano-whiskers that measure about 1/1000ths of human hair to make the mattress. The fibers are used to make the fabric. These fibers also act as the protective shield for the mattress.
Any stains will attach to the fibers instead of the fabric of the mattress. This technology is also used in the manufacture of memory foam mattresses. This is because the nano-whisker surface provides comfort to the user due to its softness and is also easy to clean.
Comfort
Nanotech mattresses are also more comfortable than any of its rivals. The researchers managed to use a nano-foam ratio that is 85% air. This means that when you sleep on this mattress you are effectively sleeping on air.
When you lay your weight on a normal mattress, your weight is distributed unevenly on the mattress since individual sections of the mattress handle your weight differently.
This is why you sometimes wake up with a sore back or neck. A nanotech mattress, however, solves this problem. All nanotubes move in unison with the rest and thus your weight becomes evenly distributed on the mattress. No more sore joints and muscles after taking a nap.
The Purple Mattress
This is the most popular nanotech mattress available on the market. The polymer used to make it is nano-engineered to make it hyperelastic.
Purple Mattress Benefits
Comfort
The polymer is set up in a grid-like structure so as to distribute weight evenly on the mattress. This structure also traps pockets of air in the mattress that guard against overheating when a person is sleeping. This ensures the longevity of the mattress.
Firmness
The mattress feels bouncy when you press on it. It responds very quickly to the application of pressure. Even under a lot of weight, the mattress responds immediately to relieve the pressure and gets back to its original shape after the pressure has been released.
Durability
The mattress is made with a polyester and lycra cover that is durable and prevents staining. The comfort layer made of polymer is made to last for a long time.
The Future
The future looks bright for nanotechnology and mattress manufacturing. As seen from the Purple Mattress, nanotech is here to stay. It has shown that it is possible and it is a viable option for now and for the future.
