The 3rd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction (NICOM 3) follows the highly successful NICOM 1 (Paisley, UK 2003) and NICOM 2 (Bilbao, Spain 2005) Symposia. The NICOM3 symposium was held in Prague, Czech Republic from May 31 to June 2, 2009 under the auspices of the Czech Technical University in Prague. It was a cross-disciplinary event, bringing together R&D experts and users from different fields all with interest in nanotechnology and construction. The conference was aimed at:

• Understanding of internal structures of existing construction materials at nano-scale
• Modification at nano-scale of existing construction materials.
• Production and properties of nanoparticulate materials, nanotubes and novel polymers.
• Modeling and simulation of nanostructures.
• Instrumentation, techniques and metrology at nano-scale.
• Health and safety issues and environmental impacts related to nanotechnology during research, manufacture and product use. Review of current legislation.
• Societal and commercial impacts of nanotechnology in construction, their predictions and analysis.

The importance of nanotechnology related research and development has become recognised worldwide. Substantial public and private investment is now being ploughed into research and development in a number of industrial sectors, where nanotechnology has become established and has led to new commercial products. The construction industry, having major economic significance with nano-scale research and development which is only emerging, offers a wide scope for exploitation of nanotechnology. With international contributions from experts in the field, Nanotechnology in Construction amalgamates previously fragmented research and emerging trends. It reflects the inherent multi-disciplinary nature of nano-scale research in construction and contributions cover a wide spectrum, from highly scientific investigations to futuristic applications. The book is organised into four broad sections, the first reviews and analyses the prospects of exploitation of nanotechnology in construction, the second discusses novel tools and their capabilities, the final two sections show existing significant products where nanotechnology has been already been exploited or where product development is under-way. Nanotechnology in Construction will appeal to researchers already working in this field as well as those wishing to enter it. It will also inform governmental and other funding agencies of the most promising future directions and their related timescales. Practical applications are considered and explanations of the underlying basics are given, raising awareness and understanding of what nanotechnology can offer to construction professionals in general.

The 3rd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction (NICOM 3) follows the highly successful NICOM 1 (Paisley, UK 2003) and NICOM 2 (Bilbao, Spain 2005) Symposia. The NICOM3 symposium was held in Prague, Czech Republic from May 31 to June 2, 2009 under the auspices of the Czech Technical University in Prague. It was a cross-disciplinary event, bringing together R&D experts and users from different fields all with interest in nanotechnology and construction. The conference was aimed at: Understanding of internal structures of existing construction materials at nano-scale Modification at nano-scale of existing construction materials. Production and properties of nanoparticulate materials, nanotubes and novel polymers. Modeling and simulation of nanostructures. Instrumentation, techniques and metrology at nano-scale. Health and safety issues and environmental impacts related to nanotechnology during research, manufacture and product use. Review of current legislation. Societal and commercial impacts of nanotechnology in construction, their predictions and analysis.