February 20, 2013
A bright blue pigment used 5,000 years ago is giving modern scientists clues toward the development of new nanomaterials with potential uses in state-of-the-art medical imaging devices, remote controls for televisions, security inks and other technology. That's the conclusion of an article on the pigment, Egyptian blue, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Hieroglyphics from the Tomb of Nebamun: The wall paintings in this tomb use Egyptian blue, considered humanity's first synthetic pigment, which new research shows could be used in new nanomaterials |
"Calcium copper silicate provides a route to a new class of nanomaterials that are particularly interesting with respect to state-of-the-art pursuits like near-IR-based biomedical imaging, IR light-emitting devices (especially telecommunication platforms) and security ink formulations," the report states. "In this way we can reimagine the applications of an ancient material through modern technochemical means."
More information: Article: Nanoscience of an Ancient Pigment, Journal of the American Chemical Society.
See also The Mail Online, Talk like an Egyptian: Ancient paint used to decorate Pharoahs' tombs is set to be the basis of telecommunication devices, February 22, 2013
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