Nanocomposites in Automotive Sector

IE 450 Nanomanufacturing & Devices

22/12/2014

Table of Content

Introduction

Definitions

Application Areas

History of Nanocomposites in Automotive

Sector

Nanocomposites vs. Conventional

Composites

Benefits and Challenges

Conclusion

References2

Introduction

• Nanocomposites: new alternative to

conventionally filled polymers

-Increased modulus & strength

-Outstanding barrier properties

-Improved solvent and heat resistance

-Decreased flammability

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• Global expectations:

fuel economy & low emission

low cost

high performance

lightweight materials

4http://www.digitalafro.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/bmw-gina-concept-2009-03.jpg

Replace metal and glass with nano-objects for fuel-efficient,

higher quality and durable vehicles

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Nanocomposites in vehicles

- To improve manufacturing speed

- To enhance enviromental and thermal stability

- To promote recycling

- To reduce weight

http://nanotechinautomotive.blogspot.com.tr/

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Definitions

Composite : made by combining two or more materials

Nanocomposite: a solid matrix (usually polymers) that contains a nanoscale filler, called a nano-object (nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanofibres, etc.).

90% of nanocomposites is made of polymer.http://www.mechanicalengineeringblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/01nanocompositenanotechnologypolymernanoparticles.jpg7

8http://www.intechopen.com/source/html/42654/media/image1_w.jpg

The main characteristics of nano-objects in

nanocomposites :

Increased Surface Area ( Increased

interaction between the particle and the

matrix)

Transparency (d<30nm)

9http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/id6080_2.jpg

Application Areas of Nanocomposites

• Automotive (gas tanks, bumpers, interior and exterior panels)

• Construction (building sections and structural panels)

• Aerospace (flame retardant panels and high performance components)

• Electrical and electronics (electrical components and printed circuit boards)

• Food packaging (containers and wrapping films)

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Manufacturing Type of Polymer Nanocomposites:

①In Situ Polymerization

②Solution Induced Intercalation

③Melt Processing

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Product Benefit Application

Nylon

Nanocomposites

Improved Modulus

Strength

Heat Distortion

Temperature

Barrier Properties

• Timing Belt Cover

• Engine Cover

• Fuel Line

• Fuel Hoses

• Fuel Tanks

Elastomeric

Nanocomposites

Higher Durability

Reduced Weight

Reduced Rolling

Resistance

Easy Rubber

Processing

High Barrier

Coating

• Tires

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Timeline for the commercialization of products by automotive players

http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=23934.php#ixzz3M3IKx2uO

History

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History of NCs in Automotive Applications

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Toyota Motor Company- Nylon-6-Clay NC Timing Belt

Cover(1991) for Toyota Camry cars in collaboration with

Ube industries.

Unitika Company of Japan- Nylon-6-Clay NC for engine

covers on Mitsubishi engines.

GM-Polyolefin reinforced with 3% nanoclays components in

collaboration with Basell for GM’s Safari and Chevrolet

Astro vans(2002)

GM-One piece compression molded rear floor assembly by

using nano-enhanced Sheet Moulding Compounds(SMCs)

developed by Molded Fiber Glass Companies.

15 Timing Belt Cover

http://home.halden.net/discovery/pics/timingbelt.jpg

Conventional Composite vs Nanocomposite

Requires post-forming modification of surface

Long cycle times

Expensive

Light-weight materials for non-cosmetic parts to reduce weight

Processing of metals costly

Better modulus

Thermal stability

Fire retardancy

Dimensional

stability

Surface hardness

Heat Distortion

temperature

Mar resistance

Barrier properties 16

Benefits of Nanocomposites

Simple and effective production process

Better dispersion of the reinforcement

Better interface adhesion

Better mechanical, thermal and electrical properties

Variety of combination

Suitability for high performance applications

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Limitations of NanocompositeProduction

Cost

Consistency and reliability in volume production

High lead time

Oxidative and Thermal Instability of Nanoclays

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Illustration of the usage of polymer nanocomposites parts.

http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=23934.php#ixzz3M3IKx2uO19

Conclusion

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Today, demand for thermoplastic polyolefin/polypropylene

nanocomposites has moved beyond nylon 6/clay

nanocomposites, mainly because of their low cost and

enhanced physico-mechanical properties.

Conclusion

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In the past, the automotive industry was more inclined towards

using nylon 6/clay nanocomposites for under-the-hood

applications, where higher heat deflection temperature,

enhanced stiffness, and light weight were the goals.

Conclusion

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The performance-to-cost ratio was a main constraint

which halted the rapid growth of polymer

nanocomposites. However, nylon 6/clay

nanocomposites (more costly) are still used for under

the hood applications, fuel lines and fuel system

components.

References Gacita, William et al., Polymer Nanocomposites: Syntetic and Natural Fillers A

eview, 2005

Garces, Juan et al., Polymeric Nanocomposites for Automotive Applications,

Lagashetty, Arunkumar and Venkaraman, a. Polymer Nanocomposites, 2005.

Şeh, Faruk et al. Polimerik Nanokompozitler ve Kullanım Alanları, Makine

Teknolojileri Dergisi, Vol 7, 2010.

http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=23934.php#ixzz3M3IKx2uO

http://www.jeccomposites.com/news/composites-news/nano

http://www.ictp.csic.es/OfertaTecnologica/Leaflet%20PT_005_201030947_G%

C3%B3mez-Rodr%C3%ADguez_2012-01-10.pdf

http://www.rsc.org/Education/Teachers/Resources/Inspirational/resources/4.3.

1.pdf

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Any Question?

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