Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors







Heifer International

Wikipedia Affiliate Button


Home > News > Instant insight: Science and art in harmony

September 24th, 2007

Instant insight: Science and art in harmony

Abstract:
One example of objects recently submitted to in depth investigation are beautiful ancient ceramics with a metallic lustre decoration. This technique was born in the 9th century in factories created by the Arabs during their conquests in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. With the passing of the centuries, Arab potters spread their know-how all over the Islamic world. It reached Spain and was finally transmitted to the workshops of the Italian Renaissance at the end of the 15th century, giving rise to what is known as majolica ceramics. Lustred ceramics attracted the attention of conservators and scientists on account of the structure of the thin surface film that is responsible for their specific aspect. They exhibit an iridescent shine that sometimes imitates a gold, silver or copper deposit in specular reflection and appears from deep red to bright yellow by diffused light observation. In order to understand this very sophisticated technique and trace its propagation through the ages, a series of investigation were conducted in several materials science laboratories. They showed that the surface film is made of vitreous matter in which nanoparticles of metallic silver and/or copper are embedded. In other words, ancient Islamic potters invented nanotechnology eleven centuries before our solid state physicists.

Source:
rsc.org

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

Related News Press

Discoveries

Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013

Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System May 20th, 2013

Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013

Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013

Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals

Nanoparticle Delivers Large Protein Complex to Cancer Cell Nucleus May 20th, 2013

Protein 'Passport' Helps Nanoparticles Get Past Immune System May 20th, 2013

Nanoparticle Harnesses Powerful Radiation Therapy for Cancer May 20th, 2013

Microneedle-Delivered Nanoparticles Boost Antitumor Vaccines May 20th, 2013

Human Interest/Art

Oh, Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree: A nano end for Christmas tree needles January 2nd, 2013

INIC Inks MoU to Apply Nanotechnology in Iran's Carpet Industry December 18th, 2012

IBN Welcomes Its First 9-Year-Old ‘Scientist’: IBN and Make-A-Wish Foundation Singapore Make Kidney Patient’s Dream Come True December 10th, 2012

The music of the silks: Researchers synthesize a new kind of silk fiber — and find that music can help fine-tune the material’s properties November 28th, 2012

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE





  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoTech-Transfer
University Technology Transfer & Patents
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More












ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project








abbigliamento uomo
Computer Accessories
© Copyright 1999-2013 7th Wave, Inc. All Rights Reserved PRIVACY POLICY :: CONTACT US :: STATS :: SITE MAP :: ADVERTISE