Ford experiments with graphene

Commanders announced that they were using graphene in parts and components of their cars. This material is 200 times stronger than steel and also one of the most conductive materials in the world; In addition, it is an excellent acoustic barrier, extremely thin and flexible. It is not economically viable for all uses, but Ford, in collaboration with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, has found a way to use it in small amounts on fuel line covers, pump covers and lids engine to make the most of its features.

"The decisive breakthrough is not in the material but in the way we use it," said Debbie Mielewski, Senior Technical Sustainability and Emerging Materials Manager at Ford. "We are able to use a very small amount to significantly improve durability, sound resistance and weight reduction, applications that other manufacturers have not focused on."

This substance, composed of pure carbon, was isolated for the first time in 2004, but the progress of its applications is relatively new. The first experiment to isolate the graphite was carried out using the tip of a pencil, which contains this material, and a piece of tape, the ribbon allowing it to work. Extract layers of graphite and create a material of a single thickness: graphene. This experience won the Nobel Prize in 2010.

In 2014, Ford began working with suppliers to study how to use the performance test component with components such as hoods. Generally, trying to reduce the noise inside the cars involves adding more material and weight, but graphene has the opposite effect:

"A small amount of graphene is helpful for many and, in this case, it has a significant effect on the qualities of sound absorption, "said John Bull, president of Eagle Industries.

Graphene is mixed with foam components. Tests conducted by Ford and its suppliers showed a 17% reduction in noise, a 20% improvement in mechanical properties and a 30% improvement in heat resistance properties compared to a graphene-free foam.

"We are excited about the performance improvements our products can bring to Ford and Eagle Industries." Philip Rose, executive director of XG Sciences. "Working with early users such as Ford, proves the potential of graphene in many applications, we hope to expand our collaboration to other materials and further improve performance."

This compound is expected to come into production later this year. it is used in Ford F-150 and Mustang parts and later in other Ford models.