Why Will Graphene Redefine the Automotive Industry?
Original article published on October 11, 2023 on Thomas Insights.
Graphene's potential in the automobile sector is limitless. Discover the impressive properties of this material and how it can be utilized across the automotive industry.
What Is Graphene?
Graphene has been commercialized but is still being researched worldwide. Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms positioned in a hexagonal lattice It is the strongest and thinnest known material.
It has several exceptional properties, including:
1. Extremely High Charge Carrier Mobility
Graphene electrons can move at speeds of up to 3000 km/s, which is much faster than the electrons in silicon, the material used in most modern electronics.
2. Saturation Velocity
Graphene electrons can reach their maximum speed very quickly, which means that graphene devices can operate at very high frequencies.
3. Insensitivity of Electron Transport Behavior to Temperature Variation
Graphene electrons are not as affected by temperature as the electrons in other materials, which means that graphene devices can operate reliably in a wide range of temperatures.
4. Thinness
Graphene is only one atom thick, which makes it ideal for use in flexible and transparent electronics.
5. Mechanical Strength
Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel, which makes it a very durable material.
6. Flexibility
Graphene can be bent and folded without breaking, which makes it ideal for use in flexible electronics.
7. High Current Carrying Capacity
Graphene can carry very high currents without overheating, which makes it ideal for use in high-power electronic devices.
8. High Thermal Conductivity
Graphene is a very good conductor of heat, which makes it ideal for use in heat dissipation applications.
Potential Markets for Graphene
To improve nanotechnology, there is a growth in the requirement for dependable, flexible, and robust material. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) are the four major graphene markets at the moment.
The applications of graphene can all be applied to end-market user trends such as:
Automotive
Aerospace
Pharmaceutical
Energy
Coatings
Electronics
Chemicals
Others (composites, catalysts, adhesives, filtration)
Graphene-Infused Car Detailing Products
Since carbon is one of the most common elements on Earth, why not develop a substance using it that is safe for the environment, lightweight, strong, and has superior mechanical properties? The automotive industry is now being "electrified" by graphene, which has already impacted other sectors.
Due to its strength and flexibility, graphene is now being used to create ceramic coat sprays and surfactants that clean and shield automobiles. Additionally, graphene is made into detailing products, including all-purpose cleaners, tire cleaners, and windows cleaners.
What makes this significant now? The simple answer is cost and longevity. Detailing products made of graphene are more affordable, environmentally friendly, and durable than traditional treatments. For long-lasting protection, using graphene-based solutions on cars is similar to donning a "body armor" coat.
The development of spray-on ceramic coatings based on graphene is being led by large corporations like Surface Protective Solutions (SPS Graphene) and Ethos Car Care (Graphene Matrix). Small auto detailing companies are also creating their own ceramic coating sprays based on graphene and other chemicals.
Graphene: The Future of the Automotive Industry
Graphene is the material of the future for the automotive industry. It is useful in the structural, mechanical, electrical, and electronic components of automobile parts. The automobile sector will see a surge in graphene demand.