Questions
Q1. Nanofiber has been attracting a lot of attention due to enhanced micro and nano-structural characteristics making it a versatile material for a range of applications. What are nanofibers and how are they made? Also, discuss their potential technological and commercial applications. (150 words) 10 marks
Q2. Discuss the transformational potential of the draft National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2020 for creating an innovation ecosystem in India. (150 words) 10 marks
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Model Solutions
Q1. Nanofiber has been attracting a lot of attention due to enhanced micro and nano-structural characteristics making it a versatile material for a range of applications. What are nanofibers and how are they made? Also, discuss their potential technological and commercial applications. (150 words) 10 marks
Model Structure
Introduction:
- Nanofibers are one-dimensional nanomaterials (diameter: 1–100 nm; length: 1000 nm and above) which can be generated from different polymers and hence, have different physical properties and versatile usage.
- Nanofibers have unique properties due to large surface area-to-volume ratio, high porosity, good mechanical strength, and flexibility.
Main Body:
- Currently, there are three techniques available for the synthesis of nanofibers: electrospinning, self-assembly, and phase separation. Of these, electrospinning is widely adopted technique. Electrospinning involves placing a charged polymer drop within a strong electric field, which results in ejection of charged material in the form of thin strands of nanofiber.
- Potential technological and commercial applications of Nanofibers:
- Healthcare: Nanofiber has high potential in healthcare applications.
- These can be used in drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, wound treatment (artificial blood vessels), protective healthcare (face masks), etc.
- IIT Madras has developed a filter that can be used to protect healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients.
- Environmental engineering: It can be used to develop water filters, dust filters, face masks etc.
- E.g., targeted molecules can be eliminated with high efficiency in water and air filtration using nanofiber membranes.
- Functional goods: Nanofibers can be used in creating functional goods such as protective clothing.
- Nanofiber membranes can be used in protective textiles due to their high breathability and high vapor transmission.
- IIT-Hyderabad, has developed neem oil encapsulated polyurethane nanofibrous bags for seed storage that reduce post-harvest seed losses.
- Electronic materials: Nanofibers due to their property such as high flexibility, conductivity and transparency, can be used to develop-
- Highly efficient electronic products such as batteries (Li-ion), solar cells, high conductivity materials, etc.
- Chemical industries: Nanofibers can be used in chemical and process industries in areas such as catalysis, sensing, physical and chemical adsorption processes, etc.
- Nanofibers have been used as urea biosensors and gas sensors.
- Healthcare: Nanofiber has high potential in healthcare applications.
Conclusion:
- The unique properties of nanofiber such as low density, high strength etc. is attracting various businesses, especially the textile, because of their huge economic potential.
Q2. Discuss the transformational potential of the draft National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2020 for creating an innovation ecosystem in India. (150 words) 10 marks
Model Structure
Introduction:
- Draft National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2020, aims to develop a robust system for evidence-based and stakeholder-driven roadmap for science, technology and innovation (STI) in India.
Main Body:
- The policy can be helpful in creating an innovation ecosystem in the country:
- Open Science Framework: It will ensure that the results of, and information generated by all public-funded research is freely accessible to everyone in India.
- One Nation, One Subscription Policy: As the world’s best scientific journals are very expensive, the new policy can ensure greater reach of scientific knowledge.
- Upgrading the education centers: Online learning platforms will be used to address the issue of accessibility and up skilling of faculty members.
- Support to grassroots innovators: They will be supported for registration, claiming the Intellectual Property Right (IPR) etc.
- The policy is also looking to facilitate collaboration between grassroots innovators and scientists through joint research projects, fellowships and scholarships.
- Translational research: The policy aims to create a fit for purpose, accountable research ecosystem promoting translational as well as foundational research in India in alignment with global standards.
- International engagements: The policy supports the idea of creating an engagement portal exclusively for the Indian scientific diaspora.
- Arrangements will also be made to attract the best talent back home through more initiatives like VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research).
- Increasing investments: India spends just around 0.7% of its GDP on research & development (Israel around 4.9%).
- The policy is looking to increase this through for example earmarking special funds for research purposes at central, state and local level.
Conclusion:
- The COVID 19 pandemic has shown the importance of research and innovation. A policy focus will help in nurturing the culture of innovation in the country.