Penn State

Research: Transportation

Nanomaterials for Transportation - From Rubber Tires to Mars Landers

Nanomaterials and nano sensor technologies are already in use in transportation in such areas as sensors for air bags, braking systems, and load leveling. Catalytic converters use nanomaterials to reduce engine emissions. Wireless sensors are being tested in roadways and bridges to monitor failure of asphalt and concrete. On the Golden Gate Bridge, 200 microelectomechanical (MEM) sensors called MOTES measure the movement caused by traffic, wind, and seismic loads on the bridge structure.

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Improvements in transportation are primarily the result of advances in materials. Lighter, stronger, more corrosion- resistant composites can reduce the weight of vehicles, improve their safety, and extend their life. Carbon nanofibers added to tires dramatically extend their wear life. Nano coatings on metal create superhard surfaces that resist micrometeor impacts during spaceflight as well as the errant grocery cart in the parking lot. Ultrahigh strength steel composites using carbon nanofibers 100 times stronger than steel at 1/6 the weight offer good formability, corrosion resistance, and good surface finish. These products are already on the market or coming soon.

Down the road, we can expect to see improved catalysts for reduced emissions; guard rails and car bumpers made of smart materials that heal themselves and reduce impact related injuries; asphalts and concretes with improved nanostructures to reduce the cost of production and improve their durability; new materials for fuel cells; and a variety of MEMs for advanced safety devices. NASA is relying on the development of a number of new nanomaterials for the manned mission to Mars, scheduled for 2035. These nanomaterials will be used for solar sails, space telescopes, advanced space suits, hydrogen fuel containers and fuels cells, and radiation shields. Many of these technologies will translate directly to Earth, for national defense and consumer products.

Penn State's wide expertise in materials research, smart materials, fuel cell technology, and nanocomposites will directly impact transportation today and in the future. For more information about research in nanomaterials for transportation, click on the links below.

Pennsylvania Transportation Institute www.pti.psu.edu/

The Center for Dielectric Studies in the Materials Research Institute is creating new energy storage materials that could enable hybrid and electric vehicles.www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cds/techcap.htm

For more general information about nano and transportation www.betterroads.com/articles/jul04a.htm

Faculty: Transportation

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