Nanotechnology is a topic that has been discussed quite frequently on DailyTech over the past few months. Even within the past weeks, research in nanotechnology has shed light on the use of nanoparticles to treat cancer, nanomachines to release anti-cancer medication directly into cells, chemical nanobrains, and nanowires used as cancer detectors.

Nanotechnology, however, may also end up appearing in something that might not first come to mind: automobiles. Ford hopes to use nanoparticles in a number of key areas in vehicle development ranging from lightweight plastics to reduce weight to advanced paint that provides better adhesion and durability.

"Industry is becoming more efficient at creating nanoparticles," said Ford Research and Advanced Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Department manager Matthew Zaluzec. "Our challenge is to take those nanoparticles, separate them and disperse them into existing materials in a way that makes our vehicles lighter, more durable, and more fuel efficient."

The use of nanotechnology will allow Ford to produce stronger and lighter plastics for use in interior and engine components as well as exterior moldings/accessories. Nanotechnology will also be used to create lighter cast aluminum structures for engine blocks.

"Many thought our aluminum engine technology was mature and fully optimized," continued Zaluzec. "Not until we looked at every aspect of the materials and manufacturing process were we able to pull out another 10 percent in structural performance out of our engines, which directly translates into weight and fuel economy savings year over year. It's nano at the working level."

Ford's efforts with nanotechnology are a part of an overall goal to reduce vehicle weight by 250 to 750 pounds (depending on the model in question) over the next 12 years. The reduction in weight, however, will not come at the expensive of vehicle safety according to Ford.

Ford's research into nanotechnology is being bolstered by its alliance with Northwestern University and Boeing. "Since nanotechnology can impact such a wide range of vehicle components and functionalities, it provides a versatile toolkit for meeting anticipated customer expectations for performance, comfort, convenience and quality," stated Ford Boeing Northwestern alliance manager Erica Perry Murray back in February.

"We are pleased to be involved with such an innovative company as Boeing and a university as esteemed as Northwestern," added Ford’s vice president of Research and Advanced Engineering, Dr. Gerhard Schmidt. "Although our products are different in many ways, we share a common goal of innovating for the future together."

Industry analysts predict that by 2015, nanotechnology will be used in 70% of vehicular applications and generated yearly revenues of $7B USD.

Ford’s use of nanotechnology to improve vehicle fuel efficiency should mesh nicely with the company’s goal of using turbocharged, “EcoBoost” engines to improve fuel economy in a wide range of vehicles and vehicle types.