The Automotive Industry 507
example, are being explored. Much needs to be done here, particularly since the problem of disposing of or recycling used tires is
widely viewed as a major environmental issue.
There are far more emerging applications in basic systems and
components than can be even briefly touched on here. Polymer
nanocomposites with bulk carbon nanoparticles/fillers in a polymer
matrix, for example, have interesting electrical conductivity and
mechanical properties and are beginning to find use in various
components, including electrical connects or for staticdissipative
applications. Many of the nanobased coatings described in Chapter
9 that improve surface/edge hardness or toughness are finding wide
use as well. Many of these are based on nano carbonbased films.
Nanobased films and coatings have been developed for corrosion
resistance of parts. Lubricants are being improved through the
use of nanoparticles. Heat exchange fluids used in coolants are
benefiting from suspended and dispersed nanoparticles, since they
can conduct heat better than basic fluids. The list goes on.
There is considerable interest in strengthening basic frame and
body components to improve safety and reduce weights. Durability,
repairability, and recyclability are also factors, as is receptivity to
painting, for body components. Manufacturability considerations
are always present. Performance requirements for specific elements
vary dramatically. Many frame elements need to have high structural
strengths and stiffness as well as energy absorption characteristics
for crashworthiness. For some body elements with highly complex
geometries, strength and stiffness demands may be minimal, but
manufacturing considerations may drive material selections. In
other cases, surface finishes may drive considerations. In all cases,
however, weight is invariably important and lightweight solutions
are always preferred; hence continued research is always ongoing
in materials such as aluminum and magnesium. Overall industry
drivers also come into play, such as the need to use more environmentally benign materials that can be recycled.
Depending on the component, and hence the mechanical, thermal,
or other design requirements placed on it, many types of metal
matrix composites, polymer nanocomposites, carbonfiber products with embedded nanoparticles, and other approaches are
being explored, as are more traditional bulk materials with nanocrystalline structures. Many interesting nanocomposites based on
carbon nanotubes, for example, are currently considered cost prohibitive for common consumer vehicles, but this could change. For
many applications needing light, strong materials, metals reinforced
with ceramic fibers (such as silicon carbide) are attractive.
example, are being explored. Much needs to be done here, particularly since the problem of disposing of or recycling used tires is
widely viewed as a major environmental issue.
There are far more emerging applications in basic systems and
components than can be even briefly touched on here. Polymer
nanocomposites with bulk carbon nanoparticles/fillers in a polymer
matrix, for example, have interesting electrical conductivity and
mechanical properties and are beginning to find use in various
components, including electrical connects or for staticdissipative
applications. Many of the nanobased coatings described in Chapter
9 that improve surface/edge hardness or toughness are finding wide
use as well. Many of these are based on nano carbonbased films.
Nanobased films and coatings have been developed for corrosion
resistance of parts. Lubricants are being improved through the
use of nanoparticles. Heat exchange fluids used in coolants are
benefiting from suspended and dispersed nanoparticles, since they
can conduct heat better than basic fluids. The list goes on.
There is considerable interest in strengthening basic frame and
body components to improve safety and reduce weights. Durability,
repairability, and recyclability are also factors, as is receptivity to
painting, for body components. Manufacturability considerations
are always present. Performance requirements for specific elements
vary dramatically. Many frame elements need to have high structural
strengths and stiffness as well as energy absorption characteristics
for crashworthiness. For some body elements with highly complex
geometries, strength and stiffness demands may be minimal, but
manufacturing considerations may drive material selections. In
other cases, surface finishes may drive considerations. In all cases,
however, weight is invariably important and lightweight solutions
are always preferred; hence continued research is always ongoing
in materials such as aluminum and magnesium. Overall industry
drivers also come into play, such as the need to use more environmentally benign materials that can be recycled.
Depending on the component, and hence the mechanical, thermal,
or other design requirements placed on it, many types of metal
matrix composites, polymer nanocomposites, carbonfiber products with embedded nanoparticles, and other approaches are
being explored, as are more traditional bulk materials with nanocrystalline structures. Many interesting nanocomposites based on
carbon nanotubes, for example, are currently considered cost prohibitive for common consumer vehicles, but this could change. For
many applications needing light, strong materials, metals reinforced
with ceramic fibers (such as silicon carbide) are attractive.