Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in the Automotive Industry: Market Forecast and Outlook

Automotive manufacturers are keen to utilise technologies which offer cost-effective improvements in vehicle performance as well as enabling them to meet stricter legislation regarding emissions and safety. There are a number of products and processes enhanced by nanomaterials making an impact in the automotive industry. These include carbon nanotube coatings for EMI and ESD for fuel systems components; nanocomposites incorporating a variety of materials for structural reinforcement and safety; nanoparticle catalysts for fuel economy; nano additives for lubricants; and easy-clean, self-cleaning , anti-fogging, anti-abrasion, anti-corrosion and self-repairing coatings. Companies such as Toyota, General Motors, Ford and Rolls Royce are all taking a lead in developing technologies in these areas, supplementing in-house R&D with collaboration with innovative nanomaterials application developers both in business and the research community.

These products represent the “first generation” of nanomaterials enhanced products with application in the automotive sector. Second generation products for the car of the future will encompass fuel cells, smart tires, shape memory materials, multifunctional high-strength and lightweight structure materials and sensors. This report covers the size of the current market for first generation products, and forecasts the financial impact of the second generation products coming on stream in the next 5-7 years.

Application areas covered in the report include:

• Fuel Cells
• Power Systems
• Tyres
• Heat Transfer
• Lighting and Displays
• Sensors
• Coatings
• Smart Materials
• Interiors
• Structural and Functional Materials.

Technologies currently under commercial development or in production, covered in the report include:

• Fuel filter housings
• Smart tyres
• Nanoscale additives for catalysts, thermal fluids, lubricants and composites
• Anti-fog coatings for windshields and mirrors
• Self-cleaning coatings
• Anti-scratch, anti-corrosion and self-repairing surfaces

This report provides an in-depth assessment of the impact of nanotechnologies, covering:

• Key Applications and market opportunity to 2015
• Global revenue forecasts
• Key nanotechnologies
• Key trends and drivers
• Key players