Nanotechnology has enabled advancement in almost all industries. Automobile manufacturers are also discovering ways to utilise this technology to develop advanced vehicles. Vehicles of tomorrow are going to harness the power of this technology to become increasingly fuel-efficient.
Since the global demands for lower gas emissions and fuel economy are steadily increasing, a new market for low-cost, lightweight and durable materials has emerged. These materials are set to replace the expensive metals and composites that only nanotechnology in automobiles can accomplish. Keep reading to find out more about the application of nanotechnology in cars.
APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
The process of building structures is referred to as nanotechnology, which is done at the nanoscale in order of 10-9m. The application of nanotechnology in the automotive industry significantly affects society’s progress and development.
Consequently, different industries including automobiles are investing to a great extent in researches and developments to better revolutionise the transportation systems using nanotechnology.
CHASSIS AND BODYWORK
Fuel efficiency is directly related to the weight of the vehicle. In a global warming era, car manufacturers have been hunting for ways to reduce the weight of vehicles and increase fuel economy. The challenge, however, is to carry it out while maintaining structural integrity and safety standards defined by the government. However, there are many fuel-efficient vehicles in the market already. You may opt to buy a used car in the UAE, which is fuel-efficient and helps save fuel costs to a great extent. Besides, you may adopt fuel-efficient driving habits to continue with your existing vehicle.
The weight of vehicles can be reduced by using lightweight materials in the making of exterior and structural chassis. In such a scenario, nano-manipulation of materials can help in developing durable and lightweight chassis and panels than the existing ones. Besides, nanotechnology in cars has also helped produce self-repair and reformable plastic panels.
BATTERIES
The generation of electric vehicles is also picking up pace and hence, researchers and engineers are making efforts to incorporate nanotechnology in electric cars. They are keen to discover how to extend the battery life of these electric vehicles without compromising on their performance. Subsequently, they developed lithium-silicon batteries that are designed to enhance vehicle performance and increase battery life.
One of the new developments is the ability of silicon nanowires to expand and contract when they shed or absorb lithium ions. These nanowires are in car batteries, where small nano-structures protect lithium-rich silicon cores as they have carbon shells. This arrangement, as a result, creates space for efficient energy transfer where the environment is safe from the heat and the maximum is consumed by the system.
BETTER ENGINE DURABILITY
Engines of the past had none of the qualities of today’s – they are smaller, lighter, and generate twice as much as horsepower and torque. But they are not completely foolproof. The modern engine produces a lot of heat and friction whereas an even more advanced, high-compression model with direct fuel injection and forced induction will operate at extremely high temperatures – which is a bigger downside itself.
The solution that engineers have been trying is within the application of nanotechnology in cars. Nanomaterials can eliminate the operational constraints that are limiting the function of a modern internal combustion engine. For instance, the fusion of nanomaterials and aluminium can create a new material that is insanely durable and lightweight. Consequently, the new “nano aluminium” will be engineered to create lighter, more powerful, and much more efficient engines in the near future.
CAR INTERIOR
Nanotechnology in cars allows fabrics to remain clean and fresh-looking forever and repellent to the effects of bacteria. However, having useful products for cleaning car interiors can always help, even if nanotech is yet to be incorporated. Developments are being made to allow the colour of the interior to change by reorienting the nano-particles of the fabric. This translates to the fact that besides excellent antibacterial properties, users would be able to choose any colour combination that they like without any manufacturer’s limitation.
WEAR RESISTANCE TYRES
Coming next to the tyres, the first nanomaterial that was added to it was carbon black as a reinforcing element and pigment. The most important ingredient to strengthen automobile tyres is silica and soot, added on a nanoscale. They provide higher fuel efficiency and durability as they create coarser surfaces than ordinary, soot-free tyres. Since nanoparticles have high surface energy, when mixed with soot, their interaction with natural rubber in the tyres leads to amazing rolling resistance and reduced inner friction.
SCRATCH AND WEAR RESISTANCE PAINT
Another excellent application of nanotechnology in cars is the nano-sized layers of inorganic filters administered over vulnerable car surfaces to help it combat harsh environments and encourage self-repair. The nanoparticles keep away, or rather, repel the dirt and grime effectively, causing the car to look cleaner without much manual input from your side. New developments are currently underway for orientable surface particles, which as mentioned earlier, will allow owners to change the outer colour paintwork via only small adjustments to the electrical charges. This nanotechnology in car paints is another blockbuster breakthrough in the industry.
Since vehicles’ paint are prone to scratches, you can always look for ways to repair car scratches easily.
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FUEL CELLS
Recently, the world has transitioned from fossil fuel burning to electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell technology vehicles, but nanotechnology is soon to take over. For example, one type of fuel cell requires the storage of hydrogen in a semi-solid state, which, being a gas, is tough to achieve.
Nano-infused fuel cells, on the other hand, provide a much better alternative that is safer and less expensive than manufacturing hydrogen-powered vehicles altogether.
As obvious, nanotechnology in cars offers a diverse range of applications in the automobile industry that provide unparalleled advantages and efficiency on a large scale. Therefore, thanks to nanotech, the promised advancements in lifespan and environmental friendliness of vehicles are soon to be delivered as automakers embrace automotive nanotechnology in the near future.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more updates on the application of the latest technologies in the automobile industry and more.
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