Vehicle manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to elevate the efficiency of their processes and innovate exciting new products and manufacturing methods to stand out in the competitive market. This is the basic formula for growth and success in a saturated industry such as cars and utility vehicles, because there always needs to be a healthy dose of innovation to drive brands forward and bring more value to the customers.
As you might have guessed, a significant element of the innovation process is nanotechnology, a lucrative field of research looking for ways to produce and apply various materials at an atomic and molecular level since the 1950s. Nowadays, in the 21st century, nanotechnology can be found in almost any industry globally, including car manufacturing.
Nanotechnology continues to bring exciting changes to this field—making cars more durable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. How are nanotechnology and innovation trends shaping the future of vehicle manufacturing?
Building more robust and efficient engines
There is no denying that car engines are subjected to high stresses during use, and the longer they are used, the higher the chance of breakdowns and costly maintenance. Being subjected to high operating temperatures while persevering under high tension, friction, and motion is a recipe for long-term deterioration. However, nanotechnology might be the answer to a longer engine lifespan and a more efficient operating model that will safeguard the vehicle.
While iron engines were typically used decades ago, nowadays aluminum engines are the norm. Even though aluminum is more efficient and lightweight, it’s also more fragile than iron. This is where nano-aluminum comes into play as a robust material that can withstand high temperatures and pressures while retaining aluminum’s efficiency and lightweight properties. Nano-aluminum can also be used in cylinder bores and other parts of the engine to benefit from lighter, more durable construction.
Enhancing battery efficiency
Of course, nanotechnology is not only used for making a car more durable on the inside and outside – it’s also used to enhance the efficiency of its key components, like the battery. Currently, manufacturers are working on increasing the efficiency of car batteries with nanotechnology using nanoparticles that can create a new generation of batteries that are more durable, safer for the environment, less expensive, and with a significantly longer lifespan.
Concretely, nanoparticles of silicon may enhance and improve the original cathode materials in batteries, making them instantly more efficient and effective. If applied, these nanoparticles can completely revolutionize car battery manufacturing through their drastically higher efficiency and capacity. What’s more, car batteries with silicon nanoparticles would be significantly cheaper to produce, and they would be safer for the environment.
Nano coating for more durable car exteriors
One of the most notable applications of nanotechnology in the car manufacturing and auto body repair industries is through nano-ceramic coatings that enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of the car’s exterior. Leading car mechanics worldwide use nano-coating to elevate the car’s exterior’s beauty and luster while making the paint more durable against environmental damage, dust, and debris, accidental dings and scratches, etc.
After application, the nanoparticles used in ceramic coating organize and settle to form a protective layer and bond with the car’s exterior’s surface. Nanoparticles then combine with the surface of the vehicle to repel water, dirt, and debris. This is one of the best ways for car owners to take care of their vehicles without breaking the bank, so nanotechnology works as a money saver as well.
Capitalizing on hydrogen fuel cells
As the car manufacturing world continues to look for new ways to fuel vehicles, nanotechnology always seems to be at the forefront of the struggle to render fossil fuels obsolete. Fuel alternatives are many nowadays, but none can solve increasingly high consumer demands across the globe.
One potential solution does stand out, though, and that is fuel cell technology. Once thought to be the stuff of science fiction movies, fuel cells are expected to become the norm in the near future, but they have to be extremely efficient and stable. Fuel cells are dependent on hydrogen, meaning that to create more efficient fuel cells, manufacturers need to use carbon nanotubes to preserve and store hydrogen in a semi-solid state, making fuel cells extremely efficient and durable.
Creating interior fabrics of the future
Lastly, it’s not just the exterior of the car that benefits from nanoparticles and nanotechnology in general, as manufacturers are also hard at work enhancing existing interior fabrics and innovating new materials for the future car owner. Nanotechnology allows us to build durable, self-cleaning, fireproof, anti-bacterial materials, and possess various other perks that the modern car owner requires.
Wrapping up
As the car manufacturing industry continues to thrive worldwide, new technologies need to be implemented to bring value to customers while providing manufacturers with a unique competitive advantage. Nanotechnology is one of those solutions that will revolutionize the way cars are built and maintained, all the while safeguarding the world around us.
Lucas Bergman is a real estate agent and renewable energy consultant with many hobbies and passions, but above all, he enjoys the most spending time with his wife – Mara. He also likes Lord of the Rings. He, actually, very much likes Lord of the Rings. He is a regular contributor at smoothdecorator.com.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Here are some other recent NMA guest blog posts from Lucas Bergman:
- How to Choose Between a Gas, Hybrid or All-Electric Car to Buy?
- The History of License Plates: Evolution & Development
- Popular RV Trends in 2020: Gadgets and Tech to Transform Your Motorhome
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