Simple enough concept with incredibly complicated implications. While the chemical and physical properties of Carbon are known (quite well) on a macroscopic scale, the nanoscale is another story. Carbon nanowires partake in both the sp and sp^2 bondings which places it as a hybrid between carbon chains (sp bonding) and graphite (sp^2 bonding). This leads to interesting properties.
New studies on the strength of these submicroscopic cylinders of carbon indicate that on an ounce-for-ounce basis they are at least 117 times stronger than steel and 30 times stronger than Kevlar, the material used in bulletproof vests and other products.
This shows the potential benefits that nanotech has to offer the world. Carbon nanotubes have application in almost every field of science, from medical applications to transistor technology. Like every new discovery, it has a downside. Studies have concluded that nanotubes are as dangerous as asbestos, which was banned in the many countries. The United States banned asbestos in 1989 because long exposure to high concentrations is more likely to cause health problems. If carbon nanotubes act much like asbestos, the scientific community has a massive preconception to overcome. Nearly everyone in the United States knows (at least on some level) that asbestos is bad for their health.
Kuzma makes it a point to include the public in the risk analysis of a nanotechnology. This may pose a problem for the scientists devoted to the development and implementation of carbon nanotubes. Scientists will have to provide a large amount of data that runs counter to the preconceptions of the public. This may ultimately lead to fewer unforeseen complications with the technology but it will slow down the development process. The scientific community must find a balance between overcoming misconceptions and moving forward in the discovery process. What leads to this balance? I don't know, I think it's a dynamic beast that differs from case to case. With nanotech I would like to see it lean towards trust for the scientists. Let them make advancements. Trust them to make good decisions. Break the cycle of mistrust. The potential benefits of nanotech (even just carbon nanotubes) far outweighs the potential for disaster if only a modicum of caution is used.
Space Elevators -- Brought to you by carbon nanotubes
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2008-05/carbon-nanotubes-may-present-cancer-risk
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=making-plastic-as-strong
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=nanotechnologys-future
http://www.aip.org/pnu/2003/split/635-3.html
http://science.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology2.htm
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27083_3-20016718-247.html
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=carbon-nanotube-danger
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos#United_States
http://nextbigfuture.com/2009/12/interview-of-brad-edwards-space.html
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