Scientists at Ford's research labs are beginning to develop new paints, plastics, light metals, and catalysts derived from nanotechnologies that are said to improve vehicle fuel economy.
At the recent Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit, Ford will be outlining further details of the company's latest efforts in nanotechnology development, undertaken largely in conjunction with Boeing Corporation and Northwestern University.
The nanoparticles used in building such materials can be utilized to reduce overall vehicle weight and improve fuel economy without compromising safety or rigidity.
Viewed and developed on a microscopic level, automotive parts based on nanomaterials are said to have increased strength and decreased weight. Currently one of Ford's primary initiatives includes vehicle weight reduction to improve fuel efficiency by 40 percent under the 2020 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
In order to achieve their goal, scientists at Ford will begin their pound shedding program in 2012 and will aim to eliminate between 250 to 750 pounds per vehicle, depending on model.
Much of the nanoparticle development is already underway with the carmaker recently utilizing the technology to build lighter engines featuring a nanomaterial coating inside of cylinder bores that effectively replaces heavier cast-iron units.
Ford is also looking into offering new nanoparticle derived paint schemes that will give coatings a higher adhesiveness as well as a brighter, longer lasting depth and finish.
Source: Ford