NANOHOUSE : Nanotechnology-based products

**Life cycle of nanoparticle-based house coatings

The NanoHouse collaborative project is funded by the European Commission under the FP7 programmes : NMP-2009-1.3-1 & ENV.2009.3.1.1.3.2 "Activities towards the development of appropriate solutions for the use, recycling and/or final treatment of nanotechnology-based products".

The aim of this project is to promote the sustainable and responsible development of nanomaterials in housing through a global Life Cycle approach.

Nanomaterials can bring decisive benefits for the sustainable development of the individual and collective construction industry. Indeed, nanoparticles can improve the resistance of building materials over time (UV resistance, mechanical stresses, etc.), particularly for paints and coatings. They can also replace toxic organic biocides and fungicides and be used to purify the air in homes, better insulate them, be used as a self-cleaning additive, etc.

However, the rapid development of this technology can only take place if the associated potential problems of safety for man and the environment are properly resolved.

The project is interested in the future of nanoparticles used as additives in facade paints, made of TiO2 and silver. It has 6 parts : Life cycle analysis of NP used in paints, identification of sources, fate in the environment, risk characterization, safer use and waste management, and finally dissemination and ethical and nanosafety aspects. ISTerre is involved in the "becoming in the environment" component.

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