Reducing the weight of our vehicles is one way to improve our products' fuel efficiency and environmental performance. We are currently using nanotechnology to develop advanced lightweight materials that will allow us to decrease vehicle weight without sacrificing strength, safety or performance. Much of this work focuses on developing the ability to model material properties and performance at the nanoscale, which will allow us to develop better materials more quickly and with lower research and development costs. For example, Ford researchers recently implemented Virtual Aluminum Casting technology, which uses nanoscale modeling of one commonly used aluminum alloy to reduce the cost and increase the performance of aluminum cast engine blocks.
In February 2007, Ford announced the next step in this research: a partnership with Boeing and Northwestern University to expand nanoscale modeling to other alloy types. The goal of this research is to identify the key nanoscale processes and structures that impact aluminum alloy performance by using Northwestern's leading-edge nanoscale experimental probe technology, called the local electrode atom probe, and state-of-the-art nanoscale modeling. This will allow Ford to develop and implement better lightweight materials and significantly reduce the research, testing and prototyping costs and time required to bring these new materials to production vehicles. This technology will also advance Ford's goal of utilizing more recycled and recyclable materials by improving our ability to incorporate recycled aluminum without compromising the materials' performance characteristics.
In addition to this modeling work, Ford is using nano-filler materials in metal and plastic composites to reduce their weight while increasing their strength. We are also working on nanotechnology-derived paints and glass that reflect UV radiation. These technologies will help keep vehicles cooler without as much air conditioning power, which is a significant drain on fuel economy. Ford researchers are also investigating nano-derived self-cleaning paints.
Finally, Ford researchers are developing nanofluids, which are vehicle liquids such as coolants, engine oil, lubricants and transmission fluids that contain dispersed nanoscale particles. Ford scientists have found that sprinkling nanoparticles into these liquids reduces friction and increases thermal conductivity, both of which allow the liquid to operate at lower temperatures, resulting in higher operating efficiencies and longer engine life.
