NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE VALUE ADDITION TO MINERAL RESOURCES

Abstract

Earth resources including naturally occurring minerals are treasures for economic and industrial development of many countries. Sri Lanka is also endowed with many industrial and economic minerals. Some industrial minerals in Sri Lanka include dolomite, calcite, mica, graphite, ilmenite, rutile, monazite, minerals in laterites and apatite. However currently Sri Lankan minerals are exported with low cost by upgrading process or minimal value-addition. Nanotechnology is one of the best ways for sustainable value addition to naturally occurring minerals. Nanomaterials are relatively expensive and low amount of nanoparticles can do the same job which is done by a large amount of bulk micro- and millimetre sized particles of the same material due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio. Therefore nanomaterials are capable of reducing amount of raw-materials required for products which is a sustainable way of utilizing mineral resources. Minerals are good source of raw materials used in synthesis of many nanomaterials and their products. This talk covers our recent advancements on sustainable value-addition to mineral resources through nanotechnology and their nanomaterials based products in order to develop economy of countries and establishment of new industries. The talk will open new areas and new industrial fields to audience of the conference including scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and academics.