Car firm plans a nanotech future
Car firm plans a nanotech future
2008-04-17Newsfeed
Car manufacturer Ford hopes to use nanoparticles to make stronger and lighter plastics to use in interior and engine components as well as exterior mouldings and accessories.
Car manufacturer Ford hopes to use nanoparticles to make stronger and lighter plastics to use in interior and engine components as well as exterior mouldings and accessories.
Nanotechnology will also be used to create lighter cast aluminium structures for engine blocks.
It will also be used in the development of advanced paint that provides better adhesion and durability.
Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Department manager Matthew Zaluzec said: "Industry is becoming more efficient at creating nanoparticles.
"Our challenge is to take those nanoparticles, separate them and disperse them into existing materials in a way that makes our vehicles lighter, more durable, and more fuel efficient.
"Many thought our aluminium engine technology was mature and fully optimised
Not until we looked at every aspect of the materials and manufacturing process were we able to pull out another 10% in structural performance out of our engines, which directly translates into weight and fuel economy savings year over year. It's nano at the working level."
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