Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2021) 136: 921
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-021-01931-w

Review

Nanomaterials for automotive outer panel components: a review

¹ School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), Vellore Institute of Technology, 632014, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
² Department of Manufacturing Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), 632014, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

^e senthilkumaran.s@vit.ac.in

Received: 10 July 2021
Accepted: 31 August 2021
Published online: 8 September 2021

Abstract

The future of mobility focuses on multidimensional parameters critical to vehicle emissions, passenger safety, and intelligent systems. Conventional materials are generally able to match the demands as mentioned above identified by the industry. However, due to the requirement for automotive components to amalgamate efficiently with future intelligent systems, there is a necessity for implementing advanced materials. Nanomaterials emerge as an optimal contender for usage in automotive body panels. Owing to their particles existing on the nanoscale, these materials offer enhanced physical, chemical, and electrical properties compared to conventional materials. As a direct effect of the above, automotive components can be manufactured in a lighter, safer, and economical manner. Crucially, nanomaterials show potential for tribological, rheological, electrical, and optical applications in automobiles. It leads to optimizations within vehicle powertrain and exhaust, tires, vision systems, and surface coating, leading to reductions in vehicle weight, greenhouse gas production, and overall carbon footprint. This article implements a study on the characteristics, properties, potential applications, and manufacturing techniques for nanomaterials. Various nanomaterial composites with differing chemical compositions are explored to gauge possible variations and compromises related to desired properties. Through transitive methods of inference formation, the capability for nanomaterial usage in automotive body panels is comprehensively examined.