This thing is rad. I was skeptical at first with all the "hype" about the Nano material. But so far its all turning out to be true. This stuff might just be the miracle material the Steve has hoped it would be.
I am thoroughly impressed with that board. Now Steve needs to make one with an inch of wood around the outside and foam inside of that. dlite steelo.
I don't know what to think about the torsional rigidity of it, I am normally a fan of torsionally stiff boards though
The great thing about this new deal with Nano Tech is that Steve will have a lot more time and freedom to try different core materials and the one you described is already on the burner.
I also am normally a big fan of torsional rigidity, but in the short time I rode the board it made me think about it a little more. So I'll open my mind to the idea of not having it, and let you know once I get done torturing the board. Steve wants to know also so he can perfect the construction. But so far he's going to easily have the boards ready by Oct 1st.
Determining the toxicity of carbon nanotubes has been one of the most pressing questions in Nanotechnology. Unfortunately such research has only just begun and the data are still fragmentary and subject to criticisms. Preliminary results highlight the difficulties in evaluating the toxicity of this heterogeneous material. Parameters such as structure, size distribution, surface area, surface chemistry, surface charge, and agglomeration state as well as purity of the samples, have considerable impact on the reactivity of carbon nanotubes. However, available data clearly show that, under some conditions, nanotubes can cross the membrane barriers and suggests that if raw materials reach the organs they can induce harmful effects as inflammatory and fibrotic reactions.[32]
A study led by Alexandra Porter from the University of Cambridge shows that CNTs can enter human cells and once inside accumulate in the cytoplasm and cause cell death.[33]
Results of rodent studies collectively show that regardless of the process by which CNTs were synthesized and the types and amounts of metals they contained, CNTs were capable of producing inflammation, epithelioid granulomas (microscopic nodules), fibrosis, and biochemical/toxicological changes in the lungs. Comparative toxicity studies in which mice were given equal weights of test materials showed that SWCNTs were more toxic than quartz, which is considered a serious occupational health hazard if it is chronically inhaled. As a control ultrafine carbon black was shown to produce minimal lung responses.[34]
The needle-like fibre shape of CNTs, similar to asbestos fibers, rises fears that widespread use of carbon nanotubes may lead to mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. A recently published pilot study supports this prediction. Scientists exposed the mesothelial lining of the body cavity of mice, as a surrogate for the mesothelial lining of the chest cavity, to long multiwalled carbon nanotubes and observed asbestos-like, length-dependent, pathogenic behavior which included inflammation and formation of lesions known as granulomas. Authors of the study conclude that
"This is of considerable importance, because research and business communities continue to invest heavily in carbon nanotubes for a wide range of products under the assumption that they are no more hazardous than graphite. Our results suggest the need for further research and great caution before introducing such products into the market if long-term harm is to be avoided."[35]
Although further research is required results presented to day clearly demonstrate that under certain conditions, especially involving chronic exposure, carbon nanotubes can pose serious risk to human health.
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look reality in the face and lick it
You are fine as long as you wear a respirator. The "toxicity" problem occurs mainly during application, when the material is scattered over the composite im guessing.
Dont worry...there are much worse things to worry about, like aspartame. As long as you are not sniffing the board hours each day... the board is safe....
With that being said, I wouldnt pay ~300 extra dollars for something that is ~2 pounds lighter than the previous model. If it weighed like 2.5 pounds, then you'd have my attention. But thats just me.
Insect Nano Firefly Prottype *Review*
Good Lord
