Graphene composite next to material without it. It shows graphene can hold the load.
Ford Motor Company announced the use of graphene, a two-dimensional nano-material, in vehicle parts, to coincide with National Nanotechnology Day. Graphene is a material used in coating, cell phones and some sporting goods – and soon, Ford alleges it will be used under the hood in Ford vehicles, a first automotive application.
Ford, along with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, has found a way to use a very small amount of graphene – it’s very expensive – while “achieving major property improvements – more lightweight, better heat conductivity and noise reduction – a breakthrough application.”
In vehicles, graphene – which is lightweight and incredibly strong – will reduce sound inside the cabin and creating a quieter ride. Graphene has recently generated some interest in the automotive industry for paint, polymer and battery applications.
“The breakthrough here is not in the material, but in how we are using it,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials. “We are able to use a very small amount, less than a half percent, to help us achieve significant enhancements in durability, sound resistance and weight reduction – applications that others have not focused on.”
Graphene was first isolated in 2004, but application breakthroughs are relatively new. (Sound familiar – aluminum, graphite, fiberglass and various polymer coatings were once so touted – all have limited applications?)The first experiment to isolate graphene was done by using pencil lead, which contains graphite, and a piece of tape, using the tape to pull off layers of graphite to create a material that is a single layer thick – graphene. The experiment won a Nobel Prize in 2010.
In 2014, Ford began working with suppliers to study the material and how to use it in running trials with auto parts such as fuel rail covers, pump covers and front engine covers. Generally, attempting to reduce noise inside vehicle cabins means adding more material and weight, but with graphene, it’s the opposite.
Ford, in collaboration with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, claims to have found a way to use small amounts in covering up noise making under-hood systems.
“A small amount of graphene goes a long way, and in this case, it has a significant effect on sound absorption qualities,” said John Bull, president of Eagle Industries.
The graphene is mixed with foam constituents, and tests done by Ford and suppliers has shown about a 17% reduction in noise, a 20% improvement in mechanical properties and a 30% improvement in heat endurance properties, compared with that of the foam used without graphene. The percentages look good but they lack perspective – Measured how? over what range?
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Graphene the Latest Miracle Material?
Graphene composite next to material without it. It shows graphene can hold the load.
Ford Motor Company announced the use of graphene, a two-dimensional nano-material, in vehicle parts, to coincide with National Nanotechnology Day. Graphene is a material used in coating, cell phones and some sporting goods – and soon, Ford alleges it will be used under the hood in Ford vehicles, a first automotive application.
Ford, along with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, has found a way to use a very small amount of graphene – it’s very expensive – while “achieving major property improvements – more lightweight, better heat conductivity and noise reduction – a breakthrough application.”
In vehicles, graphene – which is lightweight and incredibly strong – will reduce sound inside the cabin and creating a quieter ride. Graphene has recently generated some interest in the automotive industry for paint, polymer and battery applications.
“The breakthrough here is not in the material, but in how we are using it,” said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials. “We are able to use a very small amount, less than a half percent, to help us achieve significant enhancements in durability, sound resistance and weight reduction – applications that others have not focused on.”
Graphene was first isolated in 2004, but application breakthroughs are relatively new. (Sound familiar – aluminum, graphite, fiberglass and various polymer coatings were once so touted – all have limited applications?)The first experiment to isolate graphene was done by using pencil lead, which contains graphite, and a piece of tape, using the tape to pull off layers of graphite to create a material that is a single layer thick – graphene. The experiment won a Nobel Prize in 2010.
In 2014, Ford began working with suppliers to study the material and how to use it in running trials with auto parts such as fuel rail covers, pump covers and front engine covers. Generally, attempting to reduce noise inside vehicle cabins means adding more material and weight, but with graphene, it’s the opposite.
Ford, in collaboration with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, claims to have found a way to use small amounts in covering up noise making under-hood systems.
“A small amount of graphene goes a long way, and in this case, it has a significant effect on sound absorption qualities,” said John Bull, president of Eagle Industries.
The graphene is mixed with foam constituents, and tests done by Ford and suppliers has shown about a 17% reduction in noise, a 20% improvement in mechanical properties and a 30% improvement in heat endurance properties, compared with that of the foam used without graphene. The percentages look good but they lack perspective – Measured how? over what range?
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.