The Car Industry
The automotive industry has appreciated for some time that
nanotechnology can offer many benefits to this highly competitive and
litigation-driven sector. Research is taking place into many
applications of nanotechnology such as - improved lubricants, fuel cells
for clean energy, lighter and stronger engine and body materials,
better catalysts, nanoporous filters, self-cleaning windshields,
self-healing and scratch-resistant coatings, environmentally friendly
corrosion protection and colour-changing paints – to name but a few!
Major advances are also being made in the use of polymer nanocomposites
for body panels as these can be made lightweight yet rugged, and in new
metal nanocomposites to improve engine efficiency. Specially designed
nanoparticles are presently used as fuel additives to lower consumption
in commercial vehicles and reduce toxic emissions. Cars are notable for
progressively increasing their high technology content, using smart
nano-sensors for the prevention of possible problems from a tyre
blow-out to brake failure, even to avoiding a collision!Car manufacturers are keen to be more environmentally friendly in their manufacturing processes as well as in the final product. Investigations are underway in how nanotechnology may lead to a reduction in toxic wastes and by-products by substituting new nanomaterials for hazardous reactants and solvents or, better still, by using nanotechniques to eliminate their need altogether.
0 comments: