Uses of Carbon Nanotubes

Low-friction Carbon Nanotube Bearing Assembly

The high tensile strengths and stiffness of carbon nanotubes have made them important as building materials in many current nanoscience applications. Their range of use is expected to extend to molecular manufacturing applications in nanoscale scaffolding and molecular electronics. Their cylindrical shape and highly delocalized electronic structure make them interesting possible choices for the design of molecular bearing assemblies. In the design at left, the cut-away section is a single covalent structure, around which a low-friction diamondoid bearing is kept from finding a highly stable minimum energy position.

Author:Damian G. Allis
Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University

A Carbon Nanotube Molecular Bearing Assembly

The design of complex nanosystems with numerous moving parts is made complicated by the fundamental limits of chemical bonding and the possible interfaces between moving parts that can be achieved with certain nanostructures. It is possible that this spatial quantization of atomically precise building materials may also be used to drive the self-assembly of some nanosystems, greatly simplifying the assembly process. The nesting of appropriately sized carbon nanotubes, such as shown at left, can serve as a strong driving force for molecular bearing self-assembly.

Author:Damian G. Allis

Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University


Carbon Nanotube Crimp Junction


The high tensile strengths of carbon nanotubes make them likely material candidates in future nanoscale manufacturing applications. In the absence of atomically precise manufacturing methods for fabricating continuous scaffoldings of a single nanotube, methods that lock nanotubes into place by strong electrostatic and/or steric approaches may be possible. The diamondoid crimp junction shown at left is a single covalent nanostructure that fixes two nanotubes at right angles.

Author: Damian G. Allis
Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University


Carbon Nanotube 6-way Junction

The junction at left is generated by three pairs of carbon nanotubes fixed along (x,y,z) axes. The interfaces at the center of this junction are composed of 6 adamantane molecules covalently bound to each carbon nanutobe and functionalized with either nitrogen (N) or boron (B) atoms. These nanotubes are not covalently bound to one another, instead employing dative bonding between nearest-neighbor B-N pairs to hold the six nanotubes in place, a method that offers the possibility of complex structure formation via familiar chemical self-assembly.

Author: Damian G. Allis
Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University

Nanomaterials for Automotive Applications

Exhaust Catalysts:

Use of catalytic converters has significantly reduced emissions of hazardous air pollutants from automobiles. Application of nanotechnology may enable further improvements on existing technology.

Most catalytic converters utilize the precious metal platinum, which is experiencing shortages and therefore increasing in cost. The catalytic reactivity of platinum nanoparticles is significantly enhanced over existing catalysts due to the fact that a much greater surface area of the metal is exposed. Efficiency increases of 50% or greater can be achieved in some cases. The cost of catalytic converters based on nanoparticulate platinum catalysts could be significantly reduced. The manufacturing process may also be simplified, providing additional cost savings. Development of catalytic converters with platinum nano-composites have also been investigated as a way to dramatically reduce the amount of platinum required.

Shock Absorbers:

Shock absorbers provide the comfortable ride we experience today in vehicles ranging from sports cars to sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Nanotechnology – specifically magnetic nanoparticles – are advancing shock absorber capabilities further than ever before.

Magnetic fluids are comprised of magnetic nanoparticles in a fluid suspension. Depending on the size of the nanoparticles, the magnetic fluid may be able to change its apparent viscosity in proportion to the strength of the magnetic field applied to it. Therefore, the viscosity can be controlled dynamically, which allows for active damping. Large amounts of mechanical power can be controlled with a small amount of electrical power, making this method of vibration control much more efficient than traditional. Some magnetic fluids can transform themselves into a nearly solid state, making it possible to adjust the stiffness thousands of times per second. Shock absorbers based on magnetic fluids, therefore, provide a very smooth ride and can be adjusted to the individual wishes of the driver.

Shock absorbers based on magnetic fluids are used today in the Audi Le Mans Quattro. Energy is derived from the electronic control system, and the on-board computer adjusts the shock absorbers based on information provided by sensors that detect the actual driving situation within a few thousandths of a second. The driver can switch between a sporty feel, where the magnetic fluid is at low viscosity, and a more comfortable ride, where the viscosity is set at a higher level.

Coolants:

The rising cost of fuel continues to make the headlines on a daily basis. Consumers are focused now on purchasing vehicles with increased fuel efficiency. Automakers are looking for technology that will improve the fuel efficiency of even the largest SUV’s on the market. Nanomaterials have the potential to do just that.

Nanoparticles when added to heat transfer fluids increase their performance. The solid nanoparticles conduct heat better than the liquid. Nanoparticles work best because they stay suspended in liquids longer than larger particles. They also have a much greater surface area, which is where heat transfer takes place. The smaller the particle, the greater its ability to enhance heat transfer.

 

Nano-additives, including nanoparticles and nanopowders, could potentially reduce the size of automotive cooling equipment while increasing its heat transfer capabilities. Engines and other components could also be smaller and lighter, providing a lighter weight vehicle. In addition, engines could potentially run at more optimal temperatures. These factors would lead to more fuel efficient automobiles. Reduced consumption of fuel would also result in reduced emissions to the environment as well.

 

Numerous other potential applications exist in the automotive market for nanomaterials from Strem. Areas currently under investigation include spark plugs using nanoscale metal and ceramic powders, nanocatalysts for octane enhancers, fuel additive for diesel engines, seatbelts, and vehicle leveling sensors.

A listing of specific metal nanoclusters, metal nanocolloids (organosols and hydrosols), metal nanopowders, metal nanoparticles, and magnetic fluids offered by Strem is available upon request or via our website. Application sheets discussing the potential use of these products in the medical and pharmaceutical, defense and security, chemical, automotive, and energy fields, and as magnetic fluids, can also be obtained from Strem. More information is also available in the form of a reference sheet listing literature source materials.

GM’s Hummer H2 Features Nanocomposite Components

There’s more to the 2005 Hummer H2 SUT than its reconfigurable open cargo bed. The functional and versatile SUT is the latest vehicle in General Motors Corp.’s line-up to benefit from a lightweight, high performance nanocomposite material.

The H2 SUT cargo bed uses about seven pounds of moulded in colour nanocomposite parts for its trim, centre bridge, sail panel and box rail protector.

“The beauty of the Hummer SUT is its ability to go pretty much anywhere off-road and in all types of conditions,” said Bill Knapp, H2 program engineering manager. “We designed this vehicle to use the nanocomposite parts because they are lightweight, and they don't change shape when subjected to temperature changes, which enhances the overall quality of the vehicle.”

GM introduced the first commercial automotive exterior application of nanocomposite material on the step assist of the 2002 GMC Safari and Chevrolet Astro vans. In January 2004, GM expanded its use of nanocomposite material, introducing it on the body side moulding for the ’04 Chevrolet Impala. GM is now using about 660,000 pounds of nanocomposite material per year, which is the highest volume of olefin- based nanocomposite material used in the world.

Compared to conventional fillers, the size of the nanofiller is on the molecular scale, a thickness of one-billionth of a metre or about 1/100,000 the width of a human hair.

“The virtue of using a nanocomposite for automotive applications is that less filler material is required to provide the same or better performance characteristics when compared to conventional materials,” said Will Rodgers, Staff Scientist, GM Research and Development. “Our next applications for nanocomposite materials will be in exterior claddings, interior parts and in non-support trim,” said Rodgers.

The nanocomposite material used on GM vehicles is the product of advanced scientific research at the GM Research & Development Center in Warren, Mich. and an exclusive GM development agreement with Basell USA Inc., the world’ largest producer of polypropylene resin for plastics and Southern Clay Products, Inc., a high quality nanoclay supplier, of Gonzales, Texas. GM successfully developed the chemistry necessary to achieve all the positive attributes for the nanocomposite material. Basell developed the technology necessary to industrialise the new material within Basell’s manufacturing facilities. Southern Clay Products worked with GM to provide a nanoclay that would disperse in an olefin based material.

The parts are moulded at Sport Rack Automotive in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and assembled at the Hummer plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Observatory NANO report

ObservatoryNANO report: WP2 - Science and Technology Assessment Automotive and Aeronautics

This report provide information on the processing technologies that could potentially be used in the automotive and aeronautics industry to produce nanostructured metals and alloys.

The nanostructured metals and alloys considered are aluminium, magnesium and titanium.

The report introduces the following techniques used to produce nanostructure metals: severe plastic deformation (SPD), nanopowder sintering, melt spinning and electrodeposition.

Most of the techniques presented in this report are used mainly in lab-scale production for now. Very few exceptions where there have been final products are for small parts like bolt or screws used in the automotive or aeronautics industries. For their use in structural applications in the industrial scale, these novel materials have to be obtained in bulk forms with large dimensions, often in large volumes and always with competitive costs compared with the current solutions. Technically it is not possible yet to comply will all the above mentioned constraints at the same time, but the perspectives are optimistic, as the development of nanostructured materials is a fast-growing field and the potential of these materials is very important, as explained in the report.

This report does not contain any economic information about the processes (production costs, production rates and investments necessary). This is a field that should be analysed in a separate study, so that the industry could evaluate the cost-benefit balance associated to the processes for bulk nanostructured metals.

http://www.observatorynano.eu/project/filesystem/files/ObservatoryNANO_Assessment%20of%20nanotechnology%20in%20automotive%20and%20aerospace%20sectors_final%20report.pdf

Roadmap Report Concerning the Use of Nanomaterials in the Automotive Sector

This report has the objective to give an overview on the use of nanomaterials in the automotive sector and has not the goal to be exhaustive. It will give to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) the possibility to have a concise description of the development in this sector. For this reason only some scientific details and technological explanations are presented.

This roadmap report has the main purpose to help SMEs which are in the process of looking for new materials with improved properties to be integrated in their new products and to give them a first list of relevant nanomaterials they should consider depending on the industrial applications foreseen, the time to market and the R&D capacity of the company.

The target group of users are SMEs, which are starting a strategic decision-making phase for new product development.

The main purposes are:

􀂃 To give an overview on relevant nanomaterials for industrial applications in the automotive sector at short, middle and long term.

􀂃 To give the actual level of development of the nanomaterials and an approximate evolution of it at short, middle and long term.

􀂃 To be adapted to SMEs.

The results are based on a database with information about more than 100 nanomaterials, which was developed in the frame of the EC-funded project NanoRoadSME. The database and the linked roadmapping tool were structured taking into account the results of a European Survey on more than 300 European SMEs, the results of several R&D surveys and industrial SWOT analysis as well as workshops and experts’ interviews.

Technology and market driven approaches were used to gather useful data into the database. It therefore contains relevant technical and economical information on nanomaterials which have future potential use in the automotive industry. This database is a new kind of instrument for dynamic technology roadmapping.

 

Downloadthe detail report form bellow link

http://www.nanoroad.net/download/roadmap_ai.pdf