When it comes down to industries where nanotech has been of great help, the automotive industry ranks among the leading sectors. The use of nanomaterials has helped manufacturers in coming up with high performing vehicles at lower costs than in the past. The great news is that nanotech has a lot of potential in the field and manufacturers are set to benefit from the enhanced materials coming onto the market. Not only are nanomaterials lighter than the conventional materials that have been in use, but they are also more robust and more durable. It’s a win-win situation where manufacturers get to save a lot regarding costs as consumers get to enjoy the fuel efficiency of the resultant products.
Goals
The use of nanotech in automobiles will help in many things. For one, the fuel consumption is set to reduce over the years. The adverse environmental impact that cars have will decrease as a result of a low consumption rate. The vehicles are also durable and sturdy, and this translates to safety while traveling in nano-enhanced vehicles. Additionally, the cars coming into the market are tailored to meet the needs of consumers and are thus comfortable. How does the industry achieve all these? Check out how nanotechnology helps for the improvment of the aviation industry.
Nanotech researchers have paid a lot of attention to the coats used on cars. Not only are the new products scratch resistant but they can also heal upon impact, ensuring that consumers spend less money on repairs. The paints can last for the lifetime of the vehicle so you can use less money and energy on maintenance of coat quality. Additionally, the varnishes can also repel dirt. Thus you won’t have to clean your car as much as you did in the past. Some of the products in the market comprise quartz nanoparticles which not only clean the coat, but they also prevent corrosion as well as protect the paint from getting chipped. The good thing about them is that they achieve all of this without altering the nature and appearance of the coat underneath.
The coats in play can also reflect light based on the sun’s intensity. This feature helps them regulate the temperatures in the vehicle, and you can thus do away with the air conditioning system.
Manufacturers can use nano-enhanced resins to bond metals to plastics or other composite materials. Studies show that the use of these adhesives has proven to be much more efficient than the use of welds. They can thus come in handy where one wishes to make a vehicle lightweight as they also save in costs, something which would not be possible if one was to use aluminum or steel in the build.
Nanoparticles come in handy as fillers in rubber tires regarding the enhancement of durability and performance of the same. The use of silica in recent years has resulted in more stable tires which consumers can rely on for years on end.
The use of water-resistant surfaces on windscreens enables water to run off with ease, and the driver seldom has to use wipers during torrential downpours. In this way, the wear and tear of the wipers will reduce, and drivers can concentrate on the road ahead without getting distracted by the water on the screen.
More developments are set to come into the market soon as nano products and services become commercially available.