Nanotechnology in the Automotive Industry

11 February 2007

Nanoparticle technology is being used in the automotive industry to protect engines and enable them to perform better. Ford Motor company announced recently that it is using a device called the Local Electrode Atom Probe to conduct research into making metals and plastics lighter and stronger. The device works at the atomic scale and is useful for removing atoms from metallic surfaces as well as locating the position of the atoms on those surfaces. This use of Nanotechnology enables Ford to effectively analyze the surfaces of plastics and metals at the molecular level.

One way that Nanoparticles are being used are as “fillers” for metals and plastics, with the effect of increasing the strength of the produced materials while reducing their weight in the process. The end products can then be used to create aluminum castings for engine blocks. The engines perform better as a result. As well, researchers are looking into ways that Nanoparticles can be added to glass and paints to enable them to better withstand radiation and provide self-cleaning mechanisms.

Ford is using Nanoparticles to improve the operating efficiency of car liquids. These Nanoparticles have been reconstituted into liquids called Nanofluids. When poured into engine oil, lubricants, transmission fluids and coolants, the Nanofluids improve the overall properties of the liquids, leading to reduced friction and enabling them to function more effectively at various temperatures.

Given that Ford has had significant financial woes recently, this investment in Nanotechnology is certainly a good sign. Ford is predicting that by 2015, Nanomaterials will be used in 70% of its production materials. Ford may very well become a leader in the automotive industry again.

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