Transcript Nanotechnology and Transportation Updated September 2011 cc by Redsimon Man and Machine—A love story Updated September 2011

Nanotechnology
and
Transportation
Updated September 2011
cc by Redsimon
Man and Machine—A love story
Updated September 2011
For generations, people have had a special bond and
admiration for the car of their dreams.
Advertising artwork by Edward Penfield circa 1915
Updated September 2011
Many spend hours washing, waxing and buffing the
paint so the vehicle looks the best it can be—shiny and
new. A scratch on the paint of this revered automobile
leads to great disappointment.
What if there was a product that when applied to the
body of the car would protect it from scratches and the
weather?
Well, now there is!
Updated September 2011
Car waxes are
being developed
using
nanotechnology.
Image ©EagleOne
Updated September 2011
Typically, when car wax is applied to the car and
buffed, it creates a shine that is permeable. The new
waxes that have been created using nanotechnology
seep down into invisible holes in the body of the car.
The particles in the nanotechnology wax are so small
that they allow the wax to penetrate the miniscule
holes in the body of the car.
Therefore, scratches and minor dings can simply be
wiped away.
Updated September 2011
In the activity, you
will lightly scratch
an auto body part
with 400 grit
sandpaper. Then
you will test a
nanowax against
an ordinary wax to
see which fills light
scratches better.
Image by HighPoint Learning
Updated September 2011
Get a used auto
body part from a
repair shop.
Repair shops
recycle all the old
dented parts for
scrap and will
probably give you
one. Label
several places on
the part to take
before and after
photos.
Updated September 2011
Images by HighPoint Learning
Before
After
Nanowax
Updated September 2011
Images by HighPoint Learning
Before
After
Nanowax
Updated September 2011
This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school
students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a
PowerPoint presentation, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when
applicable.
The series was funded in part by:
The National Science Foundation
Grant DUE-0702976
and the
Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the
material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.
Updated September 2011
Image Credits
Geoghegan, Simon GP (Photographer). A Aston Martin DP215 head.jpg [Digital Image]. Wikimedia Commons
(commons.wikimedia.org)
Penfield, Edward. (Artist). Advertising artwork for Pierce Automobiles. [Painting]. United States. Wikimedia
Commons (commons.wikimedia.org)
Updated September 2011
References
Consumer Products Database (2011). The Project on Emerging Technologies. Retrieved from
http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/browse/categories/automotive/exterior/
Updated September 2011