Waterproof, Antimicrobial And Magnetic Paper

ITALIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, GENOA, ITALY. The Nanotech paper has nanofiber that makes it waterproof, antimicrobial and magnetic. This invention can absolutely help in the preservation of important and rare historical documents. It is also a good alternative solution to individuals with Obsessive–compulsive disorder when it comes to antimicrobial stuff.

We all know that paper is a thin material that is primarily used for writing, drawing, packaging and printing. It is made from fibers that are pressed originating from the pulp of wood, grasses or rags and dried to form flexible sheets. One of the major weaknesses of paper is that it can be easily destroyed by water.

Roberto Cingolani, the scientific director of the Italian Institute of Technology led the development of the nanotech paper. They are highly driven in providing super powers to the ordinary paper. They were able to accomplish this through a process that created a soft 3D shell around each fiber in the paper’s material.

They took fiber molecules called monomers and combined them with a nanoparticle solution. The polymer mixture can be applied to a paper. Also, it can be applied to a fabric. The solution wraps around all the fibers in the paper. The good thing about this solution is that it does not affect the natural properties of an ordinary paper. The paper can still be printable and recycled.

The paper can be transformed into an antibacterial material by adding nanoparticles like silver. To make the paper glow, fluorescent nanoparticles are added. Manganese ferrite particles are added to make the paper magnetic. The solution is still being perfected for it to achieve waterproofing capabilities. Once achieved, it can be a very useful tool in the preservation of rare historical documents. In addition to that, it can increase the security of the world’s currencies.