Question

Discuss the reasons for introducing nanomaterials to make better sport equipment.
please answer with specific examples at least 2.

Answer 1

Reasons for introducing nanomaterials to make better sport equipment

Sports equipment are incorporated with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, silica nanoparticles, nano-clays fullerenes, etc. in order to improve the performance of athletes as well as pieces of equipment. In sport equipment nanomaterials is responsible for durability, reduced weight, strength and stiffness, abrasion resistance, etc. nanomaterials has a higher specific strength than other conventional materials. Sporting types of equipment need low weight and high strength and Nanomaterials are 100 times stronger but 6 times lighter than steel and as stiff as diamond, which makes them an ideal component.  

Examples

1. In football and tennis, balls with nano-clay lining are used which act as a barrier material uphold pressure for a longer game-play. In case of golf, by incorporation of nanomaterials (e.g. fullerene) results in lowering the centre of gravity which lightens the golf clubs and consequently it increases the power and accuracy. Self-assembling bionic nanoparticles are used in land speed cars to improve the fuel economy whereas ultra-hard nanoceramics are used in ice-skating in order to make the edges of skates super-sharp.

2. In Motor racing, nanoparticles of ZrO2, ZnO, CuO, etc. are used in lubricants for reducing wear and friction. nanocomposite products having lightweight and good wearing tendency are also used in a motor racing. nano-based paints are used for aerodynamic drag reduction and carbon nanofibers are being incorporated in breaks for reducing thermal resistance.