Nanotechnologies in AutomobilesInnovation Potentials in Hesse for theAutomotive Industry and its Subcontractors

Hessian Ministry of Economy, Transport,Urban and Regional Development

www.hessen-nanotech.de

Hessen Nanotech

Hessen – there’s no way around us.

Nanotechnologiesin Automobiles

Innovation Potentials in Hesse

for the Automotive Industry

and its Subcontractors

Volume 3 of the AktionslinieHessen-Nanotech series of publications

ImprintNanotechnologies in Automobiles – InnovationPotentials in Hesse for the Automotive Industryand its Subcontractors

Volume 3 of the Aktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech seriesof publications by the Hessian Ministry of Economics,Transport, Urban and Regional Development

By:Dr. Matthias Werner, Wolfram Kohly, Mirjana SimicNMTC – Nano & Micro Technology ConsultingSoorstrasse 86, D-14050 Berlin

Technical revision and English translation:Dr. Matthias Werner and Mario MarkanovićNMTC – Nano & Micro Technology ConsultingSoorstrasse 86, D-14050 Berlin

Carl-Ernst Forchert, Wolf-Christian Rumsch,Veit Klimpel, Jessica DitfeINPRO Innovation Association for Advanced Pro-duction Systems in the Automotive Industry LtdHallerstrasse 1, D-10587 Berlin

Editorial Staff:Sebastian Hummel (Hessian Ministry of Economics,Transport, Urban and Regional Development)Dr. Rainer Waldschmidt, Alexander Bracht, MarkusLämmer (Hessen Agentur, Hessen-Nanotech)Dr. Thorsten Ralle (formerly TTN-Hessen,c/o IHK Offenbach)

Publisher:HA Hessen Agentur GmbHAbraham-Lincoln-Strasse 38-42D-65189 WiesbadenPhone +49 (0)611 774-8614Fax +49 (0)611 774-8620www.hessen-agentur.de

The publisher accepts no responsibility for the cor-rectness, accuracy and completeness of the informa-tion. The views and opinions stated in the publica-tion do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s view.

© Hessian Ministry of Economics, Transport,Urban and Regional DevelopmentKaiser-Friedrich-Ring 75, D-65185 Wiesbadenwww.wirtschaft.hessen.de

The reproduction and duplication of the brochure –also in extracts – is subject to prior written approval.

Design: WerbeAtelier Theißen, LohfeldenAutomotive drawings: Resolut DesignPrint: Silber Druck, Niestetal

December 2008

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Figure title: DaimlerChrysler (large)Left: © De Cie GmbHMiddle: © NANO-X GmbHRight: © Heraeus Noblelight GmbH

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Contents

Nanotechnologies in automobiles– more individual mobility for everyone .......................... 2

Summary ......................................................................................... 4

Nanotechnologies – what is that? ....................................... 6

1 Functionalities of nanotechnologies ................................. 8

2 Applications of nanotechnologiesin automobiles ........................................................................... 10

2.1 Car body shell ............................................................................. 11

2.2 Car body ...................................................................................... 15

2.3 Car interior .................................................................................. 20

2.4 Chassis and tyres ........................................................................ 22

2.5 Electrics and electronics ............................................................ 24

2.6 Engine and drive train ................................................................ 29

3 The economic potential of nanotechnologies forthe automotive industry and its subcontractors ....... 31

4 Research programmes, financing schemesand networks .............................................................................. 33

Regional activities and networks ..................................................... 36

Further networks ............................................................................... 38

5 Statements by important associations ........................... 39

Association of the automotive industry (VDA) ............................... 39

Competence field ‘Nanotechnology’ of the Association

of German Engineers (VDI) .............................................................. 40

ZVEI – Central association of the electrical engineering

and electronics industry Inc. ............................................................ 41

6 Appendix ..................................................................................... 42

6.1 Glossary ....................................................................................... 42

6.2 Internet links to nanotechnologies ........................................... 44

6.3 Bibliography ................................................................................ 44

2

Individual mobility is a basic need of people andan important prerequisite for the development ofmodern societies. In this regard, the automobilewill play a crucial role in the near future. TheUnited Nations estimates that the world-widevehicle fleet will double from 750 million todayto approximately 1.5 billion utility and passengervehicles by 2030. This development is driven bya rising demand in rapidly growing markets suchas China, India, Korea, Brazil and Russia. Theincreasing prosperity of these regions will lead toa greater desire for more individual mobility ofpeople, who will be buying more – and morefrequently using – vehicles.

With the traffic volume increasing, the world-wideenergy demand will rise as well. Questions con-cerning passenger safety, intelligent traffic guid-ance systems, pollutant reduction and effectiverecycling at the end of the value-added chain tosave scarce resources are becoming more urgent.

Against this background, unique opportunities aredeveloping for domestic automobile producersand suppliers. At the same time, finding them-selves in a toughening international competition,they will face enormous challenges. Therefore,companies and research institutes worldwide arefocusing their research and development effortsmore and more on adapting the safety, comfort

and eco-friendliness of the automobile to futureneeds, so that the advantages of individual mobil-ity can be ensured in a sustainable way.

In this context, nanotechnologies are playing animportant if not decisive role. It contributes cru-cially to necessary developments and to the pro-duction of innovative materials and processes inthe automotive sector. Modern tyres for instanceachieve their high mileage, durability and roadgrip through nanoscaled soot particles and silica.Materials with nanoparticles or layers at thenanoscale have beneficial effects on inner andouter surfaces, on the body or on the engine anddrive.

However, it will be much more important to trans-late the pioneering results of nanotechnologiesinto products that are conducive to environmentalsustainability and safety, so that vehicles can pro-vide individual mobility to wide sections of thepopulation without compromising the basis ofpeople’s livelihood. Apparently, only with the helpof nanotechnologies will it be possible to incor-porate all factors of the sustainability principleequally: ecology through conservation of theenvironment and of scarce resources, economythrough the creation and safeguarding of com-petitive jobs as well as availability of individualmobility worldwide.

Dr. Alois Rhiel

Hessian Minister of

Economics, Transport,

Urban and Regional

Development

Nanotechnologies in automobiles– more individual mobility for everyone

3

For the domestic industry, it is essential to usethese unique innovation potentials of nanotech-nologies in the global automobile mega market,thereby protecting and expanding their solid start-ing position. Unfortunately, the great opportunitiesthey offer have not been identified sufficiently yet.The present brochure is therefore intended toidentify current and future trends of nanotech-nologies in automobiles, combining them with thestrengths of domestic enterprises in this field.

It is my wish to point out promising possibilities ofnanotechnologies in vehicle manufacturing andthereby initiate necessary innovation processes inHessian automobile enterprises and their suppli-ers. Because only with innovative approaches willHessian vendors be among the winners in theglobal competition.

Dr. Alois Rhiel

Hessian Minister of Economics, Transport,

Urban and Regional Development

Summary

4

Nanotechnologies are becoming increasingly eco-nomically important worldwide. Today, numerousproducts already include nanotechnological com-ponents or they are made using nanotechnologies.Signs for a broad industrial process of transforma-tion through nanotechnologies have been apparentfrom a scientific perspective since the 1980’s. Today,a consensus prevails that nanotechnologies willhave an impact on virtually all areas of life, and thuson the economy, in the mid and long term. Unlikemany other high technologies, nanotechnologieshave a cross-sectorial character and therefore pos-sess a very broad potential of applications in manyareas of the economy.

Nanoscaled fillers such as sooty particles areapplied in car tyres, in printer ink or paints. Thenanometre-sized dimensions of electronic compo-nents and functional layers in read heads allow adrastic improvement in performance of hard drives.Catalysts and air filter systems cause clean air insideand outside of the car. Optical layers for reflectionreduction on dashboards or hydrophobic and dirt-repellent “easy-to-clean” surfaces on car mirrors arefurther examples of applications of nanotechnolo-gies in automobiles. Nowadays, profits amountingto billions are being generated using such high-endproducts. Nanotechnologies are thereby incorpo-rated as components into the product or into pro-duction technologies.

In the production technology of future automotiveengineering, nanotechnological adhesives have anenormous economic potential since they allowenergy savings in assembly processes. An interest-ing application relates to adhesives that are modi-fied with magnetic nanoparticles. The coupling ofthermal energy in the form of microwave radiationinduces the chemical reaction necessary for the glu-ing process.

Through nanoadditives in plastics, clearly improvedprocessing properties in injection-mouldingmachines can be achieved. Here, energy savings ofup to 20 per cent are possible. Alternatively, thecycle time can be reduced by up to 30 per cent.Moulding tools can be designed more easily andnew components can be built with thinner wallsallowing for substantial material savings. Further-more, the number of rejects is reduced, particularlyin highly stressed parts, such as housings and func-

tional elements of electric drives, in windscreenwiper arms, door knobs, reflectors, mirror systems,joining elements, sunroof elements, in boxes oflocking systems and many more applications.

Practically all physical and chemical properties ofpolymers can be modified using fillers. The motiva-tion behind this is to considerably improve proper-ties such as scratch resistance or achieve highermechanical stability. The latest developments makeit possible to replace conventional car windowswith plastics coated on the nanometre scale. In sodoing, the focus is placed on the development oftransparent, light, scratch-resistant and at the sametime stiff materials. Another possibility to reducefuel consumption and emissions and to increaseenergy efficiency is to coat cylinder tracks nan-otechnologically. Thus, the remarkable loss result-ing from friction in today’s engines can be reducedsignificantly in the future. The fuel cell as the alter-native drive and supply unit for the electronics ofthe car is being researched by almost all automotivemanufacturers. Here, nanotechnologies can alsogive decisive advantages. Examples include the cellelectrode, the diffusion membrane or systems forhydrogen storage. These and other examples willbe presented in the present brochure.

Innovations and cutting-edge technologies areneeded imperatively to maintain competitiveness inautomotive engineering. Increasing governmentregulation in the fields of safety and environmentalsustainability as well as increasing customerrequirements concerning the performance, comfortand design of automobiles will become future driv-ers for the development of innovative technologies.The latter are critical components of integratedmobility management of the future. In Hesse, theinitiative “No traffic jam in Hesse in 2015” waslaunched to develop concepts for traffic jam avoid-ance and traffic control.

Nanotechnological expertise will become one ofthe main competences in automotive engineering(Volkswagen 2003). It will be needed to maintainthe international competitiveness of this industrythat is so important for the German economy. Hesseis consistently building on nanotechnologies. Thelocal conditions of this industry are excellent com-pared worldwide. Several major enterprises in thechemical industry that are among the world market

5

leaders in the field of nanotechnologies and alsowell-known automotive companies and their suppli-ers are based in Hesse. An increasing number ofsmall and medium-sized businesses are using nan-otechnologies for their products or production.Small businesses have demonstrated already thatnanotechnologies can lead to sustainable entrepre-neurial concepts. Well over 100 companies in Hesseare using nanotechnologies for their products orproduction. More than 20 of them supply the auto-motive industry with products related to nanotech-nologies.

According to official statistics, the sector “Produc-tion of vehicles and vehicle components” withapproximately 50,000 employees and a profit of12,3 billion Euro in 2005 is the third largest industrysector in Hesse behind the chemical and mechani-cal industries (Bauer 2006). In these statistics a con-siderable proportion of automotive suppliers - com-panies selling the main share of their production tothe automotive industry, but grouped into anotherindustry statistically – are not included and musttherefore also be included. Examples of such com-panies are car tyre manufacturers (rubber or plas-tics industry) or producers of electronic compo-nents and measurement and control technology forvehicles (electrical industry). If these supplier com-panies are included, then the automotive industrywith its 64,000 employees is the second largest inHesse after the chemical industry.

Besides Opel, important automobile producerssuch as DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen haveplants in Hesse. In addition, the automotive suppli-ers Siemens VDO, Continental Teves, Fulda Tyres,Pirelli, Dunlop and Delphi must also be mentioned.Furthermore, international groups such as Honda,Mazda, Hyundai and Isuzu have R&D centres inHesse. Generally, the automotive industry in Hesseis focused on the production of automotive compo-nents and accessories. Its production ranges fromcomplete systems such as chassis, gears, driveshafts and tyres as well as smaller components (forexample brake discs, plain bearings and hoses) to awide array of electronic parts and components (e.g.LCD screens, car multimedia, injection and telemat-ics systems).

The present company brochure points out numer-ous applications of nanotechnologies for the auto-motive industry and its subcontractors that areeither already existing or at the research stage.Based on important functionalities of nanotech-nologies, different application examples for theouter skin of the vehicle, the body, interior, andchassis as well as the engine and drive system aredescribed. In this context, the emphasis is put onthe available economic potential and on the rele-vant research programmes, networks, contacts andassociations. The objective of the brochure is toshow the great variety of applications for nanotech-nologies in the automotive domain to give thereader the opportunity to identify applications andopportunities for his or her field of activity.

[© pixelquelle.de]

Nanotechnologies – what is that?

6

Nanotechnologies are interface technologies thatinclude many different science and applicationareas. Among them are classical fields of knowl-edge such as chemistry, physics and mechanicalengineering as well as new disciplines such asnano-bio technology and sub-areas of microelec-tronics. In that context, nanotechnologies havebecome increasingly important over the last fewyears. Today, nanoparticles with new characteristicsare already being produced on a large scale andintegrated into products. In most cases, the nan-otechnological products currently available on themarket are rather unspectacular and have becomean almost unperceived part of daily life.

The purpose of nanotechnologies is the productionand examination of functional structures smallerthan 100 nanometres. A nanometre is a millionth ofa millimetre. On this scale, material-dependentinterface effects and large specific surfaces observ-able in larger structures become more important.On this order of magnitude, quantum effectsappear that exhibit unique potential for novel func-tionalities. The critical size below which materialproperties change depends on the material itself.By changing the size of such components, the con-trol of the chemical composition and the targetedmanipulation of the atomic structure it is possible toproduce macroscopic materials with radically newproperties and functionalities.

Since nanotechnologies are solely defined by thegeometric length scale and the related physical,chemical and biological effects, almost all branchesof industry are affected by it.

The specific surface of a gram of nanocrystallinepowder can have the size of a soccer field depend-ing on the grain size of the material. It is estimatedthat the number of products based on syntheticnanoparticles currently available on the marketalone is approximately 500. Among them aresunscreens with a high UV protection factor,nanoscaled ink particles for copying machines andprinters, scratch-resistant car paints, hydrophobicand dirt-repellent textiles, golf clubs and tennisrackets with different types of carbon additives forincreased stability, nanoparticle materials in babydiapers for improved moisture absorption as well asplastic wraps for higher tensile strength and gaspermeability (BMU 2005).

Tyres are an example of the application of nan-otechnologies in automobiles. Current tyre modelsachieve their high performance, durability and gripfrom fine sooty particles called “carbon black”.Beyond that, a new class of this material, callednanostructured soot, achieves an even better per-formance and improves properties such as grip.Nanostructured soot is produced by thermal decom-position of soot oil. Here, advances in the field ofanalysis and measurement and a deeper under-

VW-Beetle Ladybird Nanoweb Iron atoms

NanometreMicrometreMillimetreMetre

Comparison of Sizes

7

standing of the underlying processes have enabledthe systematic modification of sooty particles. As aresult, diverse structures and surfaces are adjustableand, consequently, properties controllable.

Another example is the integration of nanotech-nologies in the fields of vehicle navigation andaudio systems. At this stage, hard drives for use invehicles are being produced that are able to storemovies which can be viewed on navigation systems.This new hard drive technology is increasingly livingup to the high requirements that have to be fulfilledfor use in automobiles. Challenges that have to befaced to develop suitable hard drives include enor-mous temperature fluctuations in the vehicle’s inte-rior and high-frequency vibrations from the carengine.

But also the fuel consumption and the pollutantemission of diesel engines can be improved usingfuel additives and exhaust catalysts that boost com-bustion efficiency through nanoscaled catalysts.These are exceptionally reactive given the largespecific surface of the nanoscaled catalysts.

Nanoscaled filler materi-

als such as “carbon black”

or silica are components

of modern car tyres

[© Pirelli GmbH]

Optimisation of the

combustion efficiency

and reduction of fuel

consumption of diesel

fuels by fuel additives

and exhaust gas catalysts

[© Oxonica]

Hard drives as mass storages

will be increasingly used in

automobiles in the near future

[© Western Digital Corp.]

1 Functionalities of nanotechnologies

8

Nanotechnologies can be applied in almost allindustries and technologies because of their effectsand functionalities. Given their cross-sectionalcapacity, nanotechnologies are especially impor-tant in automotive engineering.

The functionalities of nanotechnological materials,products and processes discovered so far offer anapplication-oriented access to nanotechnologiesfor enterprises (Heubach 2005). These phenomenaare closely related to the benefit and function of theproduct and thus to customer-oriented demandand provide the connection between nanotech-nologies and automotive engineering. Functionali-ties relevant for automotive engineering are pre-sented below (following TAB 2003).

Mechanical functionalities

The considerably improved mechanical propertiesof nanostructured solids are higher hardness,increased breaking strength and improved fracturetoughness at low temperatures or super elasticity athigh temperatures. Underlying these effects is adecrease in grain size so that dimensions arereached below which deformation mechanismscannot occur in the grain itself. This results in bene-fits for users, such as a prolonged durability of pro-duction tools or more effective lubricating systemsand optimised lightweight materials.

Geometric effects

Crucial reactions between gaseous or liquid andsolid substances in the nanometre range oftenoccur on contact surfaces. Interaction with suchmedia makes special physical and chemicaldemands on the surface of particles, pores, fibres,semi-finished and finished products. With regard toprotection functions, these demands include resist-ance against oxidation, corrosion, mechanical abra-sion and high temperatures (BMBF 2002). Becauseof the small size of nanostructures, the extreme sur-face-to-volume ratio of these materials becomesmore important. Therefore, the large specific sur-face and the surface properties of nanostructuredmaterials influence chemical reactivity. In a materialwith pores at nanometre scale there are, as a result,partly totally new effects that can be used in nanofil-ters for instance.

Electronic /magnetic functionalities

In the nanometre range quantum effects take placethat cannot be observed in larger objects. Chargecarriers that can move almost freely in the volume ofsolid materials are strongly influenced in theirmobility by nano objects given their narrow dimen-sions. This behaviour can also be observed in amaterial with macroscopic dimensions consisting ofnanocrystalline crystallites separated by grainboundaries. Scattering of charge carriers on bound-ary surfaces affects several electrical properties.Therefore, an increase in the specific electricalresistance and a change in the temperaturedependency of the resistance in comparison to amaterial with crystals in the micrometer range canoften be observed. The manipulation of the grainsize of such a material allows tuning of the elec-tronic properties.

Paramagnetism and ferromagnetism are among themagnetic properties of solids. By reducing mag-netic domains, macroscopic magnetic properties(e.g. saturation magnetisation, remanence) can beinfluenced. In practice, the GMR (giant magnetoresistive) effect is used in magnetic field sensorsand in magnetic storage devices (magnetic RAM,MRAM) or in glues which are modified withnanoparticles such that the adhesive propertybecomes switchable.

Optical functionalities

As nanoparticles are considerably smaller than thewavelength of visible light, no reflection occursfrom them. Dispersions of nanoparticles of usuallyopaque material can appear transparent. Nanopar-ticles can also cause dispersion effects whereshorter wavelengths are deflected more thanlonger wavelengths, which can cause colour effects(TAB 2003). By tailoring the size of nanoparticles, aprecise wavelength region (a colour) can beadjusted specifically where the material absorbs oremits light. This is exploited in transparent disper-sions of nanoparticles or in optical functional sur-faces, e.g. for lumenizing solar cells or in the field ofoptical analysis and information transmission.Another example that will become important con-cerns quantum dots. The latter may be used to con-struct lasers whose wavelength (colour) can beadjusted according to the size of the so-called

9

quantum dots. The brochure “Nano Optik”, Volume5, of the Aktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series pro-vides further information on this topic.

Chemical functionalities

The chemical functionality of nano objects is sub-stantially based upon their surface structure. Nano-structured materials possess a significantly highshare of surface atoms. Such atoms are highly reac-tive because of their unsaturated bonding. Latticestrain respectively leads to a markedly increasedsurface energy. This can be used for surfaces withtailor-made wetting behaviour, the layout of func-tional groups, for enhancing chemical reactivity andselectivity and also for chemical stability in diversechemical processes.

The following table gives a short overview of possi-ble application fields of nanotechnological func-tionalities in automotive engineering. In future, wewill be able to count on a number of further appli-cations that will concern all branches of the auto-motive industry and its subcontractors.

Nano varnish

Corrosion protection

Forming ofhigh strength steel

Reactivity,selectivity,surface properties

Chemicalfunctionalities

Ultra-thin layersColour,fluorescence,transparency

Opticalfunctionalities

Fuel additives

Catalysts

Piezo injectors

Solar cells

Size dependent electric and magneticproperties

Electronic/magneticfunctionalities

Nanosteel

Gluing oncommand

Gecko effect

Large surface-to-volume ratio,Poresize

Geometric effects

Low-friction aggregate components

Hardness, friction,tribologicalproperties,breaking resistance

Mechanical functionalities

Engine anddrive train

Electrics andelectronics

Chassisand tyres

InteriorCar bodyCar body shellexterior

Fuel cell

Super caps

GMR sensors

Polymer glazing

Electro chromaticlayers

Switchable materials (rheology)

Carbon blackin tyres

Care and sealingsystems

Nanosteel

Dirt protection

Anti-glare coatings

Nano filter

Gecko effect

Effect

Fragrancein the cabin

Application Functionalities

Applications of nanotechnologies in automobiles Existing applications Possible future applications

[Icons: © RESOLUT DESIGN]

According to a study by the bureau for technologyimpact assessment at the German Bundestag, nan-otechnologies in automotive engineering belong tothe future core capabilities that are crucial to main-tain international competitiveness. The vehicle ismeant for leisure and work - it ensures individualityand mobility. Worldwide, there are about threequarters of a billion vehicles in the streets with anupward trend. Thus the challenges posed by vehi-cle consumption, pollutant emissions, recycling andtraffic volume are also opportunities opening up forthe industry, both for the internationally potent Ger-man automotive industry and for its mainly mid-

sized subcontractors (German Ministry of Educationand Research / BMBF / 2004). The use of nanotech-nological know-how for new functionalities aims tooptimise environmental concerns / safety / comfort.

Today, there are already quite a number of nan-otechnology applications in the automobile. Theapplications shown in the picture below are onlysome examples.

2 Applications of nanotechnologiesin automobiles

10

Comfort– “passenger wellness”– product attractiveness – easy care, …

Safety– active safety – passive safety – easy to clean, …

Possible application

of nanotechnologies in cars

Environment– resource efficiency– hydrogen and fuel cells– catalysts

Goals for the applications

of nanotechnologies in

automobiles

[following Steingrobe 2006]

Examples for

applications of

nanotechnologies

in automobiles

[Icon automobile:

© RESOLUT DESIGN]

11

In the domain of surface technology, nanostruc-tured surfaces allow for example improved paintadhesion. Self-cleaning will become standard onwindscreens and car body shells provided contem-porary technological challenges are successfullycoped with. Scratch-resistant, dirt-repellent andself-healing car paints are applications that alreadyexist or are in development.

Besides the paint itself, innovative displacements orultra-thin coatings for mirrors and reflectors as wellas care and sealing systems are among the applica-tions of nanotechnologies on the car body shell. Inparticular, numerous solutions in care and sealingsystems are available on the market already. The fol-lowing applications illustrate the status quo of thenanotechnology applications development for thecar body shell with selected examples.

Stable value and scratch resistancewith nano-varnish

An unblemished carbody shell should beguaranteed even afternumerous car washesand several years ofoperation. Comparedto conventional paintsystems, nano-vanishesallow for higher scratchresistance and paintbrilliance.

The basis for this technological effect are embeddedceramics particles in the final varnish layer in thenanometre range. Nanoparticles such as Degussa’sAEROSIL R9200 for car varnishes, which greatlyaccount for the improvement in scratch resistance,are very much gaining in importance. Traditionally,AEROSIL can also be found in other layers of the carbody shell, where it is used for pigment stabilisation,rheology control and corrosion resistance for exam-ple. These are special types of silica that play animportant role in innovative car paints. Their basis arenanostructured powders produced in a gaseousphase synthesis in the flame and are therefore calledpyrogenic constitute. Starting with silica tetrachlo-ride, small, spherical single silica parts with a meandiameter in the range between 7 and 40 nanometresresult from flame hydrolysis (Oberholz 2006). If thepaint is liquid, these particles are initially randomlydistributed in the solution. During the drying andhardening process they crosslink deeply with themolecular structure of the paint matrix. The result is avery dense and ordered matrix results on the paintsurface. Thus the scratching resistance is tripled andthe paint brilliance improves considerably. This novelpaint system has been developed by Daimler-Chrysler. These nanopaints are already being used insome models of the Mercedes-Benz make.

Upper left: Conventional

paints consist of binder

(orange) and cross-linking

agents (red).

Lower left: Nano paints

consist of organic binder

with high elasticity

(yellow) and inorganic

nanoparticles with high

strength (blue). The

tightly packed nano

particles make the paint

scratch-resistant.

[© DaimlerChrysler AG]

Mercedes Benz

passenger car painted

with nano varnish

[© DaimlerChrysler AG]

2.1Nanotechnologies for the car body shell

12

A procedure for hardening the nanopaints that sup-plies the required high temperatures is based onthe usage of special infrared reflectors. Heraeus, acompany located in Hanau, develops and producesthese reflectors.

Hesse has a leading position in the production ofnanopaints and their components. Examples ofcompanies operating in this region are MerckKGaA, Solvadis AG, Lurgi Chemie und Hüttentech-nik GmbH, DuPont de Nemours GmbH, DegussaAG, Deutsche Amphibolin Werke, Ciba Spezialitä-tenchemie, Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings GmbHand Clariant GmbH.

Scratch-resistant polymer discsfor the lightweight construction

Nowadays, up to 6 m2 of glass are processed in acar – 1.2 m2 just for the wind shield. Glass panes willbecome increasingly important for reasons ofdesign. The lightweight construction potential thistechnology holds is enormous; it can by tapped bythe substitution of mineral glass by polymer glass.The latter has to be shielded from scratching, abra-sion and climatic influence.

Polymer glasses, especially polycarbonate withexcellent impact strength and light weight, havealready been used serially for a longer time in head-light covers and lenses respectively. In order tomake them even more scratch-resistant, they arecoated with acrylate or polysiloxane paints. In thesepaints extremely hard aluminium oxide nanoparti-cles are placed in the substrate matrix during thehardening process, thereby achieving a high abra-sive resistance with solid impact strength. Due tothe small size of the filler particles and their fine dis-tribution, this coating is highly transparent as well.

Originally developed for tests of the field of vision, the glass-

domed automobile shows possible application fields of nano-

technologies. [© DaimlerChrysler AG]

In premium optical glazing, e.g. glass panes, anextremely even coating of the scratch-resistant layeris important. Therefore, new processes are beingdeveloped to apply hard materials directly from thegaseous phase to the polymer glass. The so-calledPVD (physical vapour deposition) and CVD (chemi-cal vapour deposition) procedures as well asplasma polymerisation create a highly cross-linkedpolymer layer in the range of few nanometres withorganic and inorganic components using a vacuum-coating process.

Scratch-resistant high-strength plastics offer newpossibilities, especially with regard to advancedinjection moulding techniques. The easy formabilityof the plastic is opening up new design possibilities– from transparent roof tops and car body shellparts to whole car modules made of plastics withintegrated lights and aerodynamics elements. Cur-rently, almost all known automotive producers areactive in this field.

Further information on this topic can be found inthe brochure “NanoOptics”, Volume 5, as well as inthe brochure “NanoProduction”, Volume 6, from theAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series.

Modern nanocoatings

and special nanopaints

can be successfully dried

or hardened with infra-

red heat. This is shown by

field tests in the applica-

tion centre of the special

light sources producer

Heraeus Noblelight in

Kleinostheim.

[© Heraeus Noblelight GmbH]

13

Ultra-thin layers for mirrors and reflectors

Modern mirrors and headlights with superior opti-cal quality and efficiency are based on glass andplastics components that are equipped with anultra-thin reflecting layer of aluminium oxide. In thelast few years, superior coating processes havebeen developed for ultra-reflecting layers withthicknesses below 100 nanometres.

On a large industrial scale, the coating of aluminiumtakes place in vacuum vaporisation facilities.Thereby, the aluminium is heated by tungsten fila-ment and evaporates. Newly developed and spe-cially formed evaporation structures of Cotec fromNidderau improve the rate of coating significantly.They allow a better exploitation of aluminium andavoid evaporation defects. The temperature strainon the coated materials is low in this process, as aretechnical expenditure and running costs.

A further application field for glasses and mirrors inautomotive engineering is being opened by thepossibility to equip surfaces with water, fat and dirt-repellent features. These so-called hydrophobicand oelophobic layers are being produced usingCVD processes (chemical vapour deposition).

Cotec has developed a fluor-organic material whichexhibits both hydrophobic and oelophobic quali-ties when segregated on a workpiece. The layerwith a thickness of 5 to 10 nanometres results in asuper smooth surface, which is easy to clean forimpurities such as water drops, oil, dust, dirt, sweatand fingerprints. Due to its good dynamic frictionproperties, there is only low abrasion during clean-ing, which results in a longer durability of the layer.This layer consists of molecular chains that have ananchor group at one end with which the layer formsa chemical bond on the surface of the substrate andthereby “digs in”. The functional group at the otherend is responsible for the water-, fat- and dirt-repel-lent effect. A superior application potential for thisnew coating technology is expected for polycar-bonate discs.

The focus of Cotec GmbH is on the application anddevelopment of nanotechnologies for diverseapplication fields, such as precision optics andautomotive engineering. The layer systems devel-oped by Cotec are used in the automotive industryand its subcontractors for the coating of mirrors,injection-moulded components and reflectors.Apart from Cotec GmbH, Genthe-X-Coatings GmbHin Goslar is also engaged in this business usingother technologies.

Further information on this topic can be found inthe brochure “NanoOptics”, Volume 5, from theAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series.

Electro-chromatic layers for anti-glare rear mirrors

Safety requirements for automobiles are constantlyincreasing. The number of electronic assistance andservice systems that support the driver is also risingat the same rate. Thus the idea suggests itself tosupport the human senses to achieve optimal atten-tion for safe driving. Nowadays, already rear viewmirrors in upper-class vehicles are dimmed auto-matically for an optimal view at dawn and at dusk.

Plating of reflector housings

[© Cotec]

Adjustment of surface

properties on glass plates

(above untreated, below

hydrophobic)

[© Cotec]

Left: Schematic illustration

of the effect of a perfluo-

rinated coating for the

adjustment of hydrophobic

and oelophobic properties

[© Cotec]

End group – contact angle

Molecular chain – angle of glide

Anchor group – chemical bonding

Substrate

DU

RA

LON

Ultr

aTec

H2OOil

14

Here, so-called electrochromic glasses are beingapplied. The mirror glass is equipped with a func-tional layer composite. An applied voltage movesthe charges into the intermediate layer and causesa change in the optical properties. The ions formcolour centres at the electrodes, which absorbincoming light and only reflect a small part. Thiseffect can be reversed by pole change so that theglass gets back its original properties. This processcan be compared to the charging and dischargingof a car battery and analogies to overloading andmemory effect also exist, so that an adequate con-trol unit has to regulate the colouring.

A forward-directed sensor on the rear mirror recog-nises weak ambient light and signals the system topay attention to glaring light. For the purpose ofoptimal dimming, a rear sensor measures the glar-ing light of the following vehicles and controls theintensity of the light. If the glaring light disappears,the initial state of the mirror glass is recovered.

Gentex Corp. based in the USA has developed itsown market segment with the successful produc-tion of electrochromic layers and the company isthe market leader in the field of automatic anti-glaremirror systems.

Maintenance and sealing products forclean surfaces

Maintenance and sealing products are being devel-oped and offered for a series of exterior and interiorapplications in vehicles.

Left: Anti-finger print on stainless steel Right: Anti-limestone

[© NANO-X GmbH]

Especially anti-mist and anti-dirt products are usedto tune the surface with water- and fat-repellentnanoparticles. Applications include panes andmirrors but plastics and textile surfaces too, makinguse of the principle of self-organisation wherenanoscopic components arrange themselves inde-pendently. With the result that an invisible ultra-thinlayer in the nanometre range prohibits bonding ofoils, fats, water and dirt with the surface. Such sur-face seals consist of nanoparticles that tightly bondwith the subsurface and other components, givingthe coating the necessary hardness. The compo-nents responsible for hydrophobic and fat-repellentproperties adjust themselves towards the surface.

Most of the surface modifications or coatingsagainst dirt known so far are hydrophobic, whichmeans water-repelling. The wettability is so low onthese surfaces that the water just rolls off the surfacewhen it is inclined in a certain way, thereby pullingthe dirt with it. Many of those surfaces are smooth,others function on the lotus principle. However,practice has shown that the rain drops rolling offleave dirt stains on panes that are clearly recognis-able as streaks when dried. Besides, hydrophobicsubstances tend to produce streaks when used incleaning substances. If, however, surfaces are con-structed such that water can wet it evenly and rolloff faster, no runs can develop and the surface willstay clean longer. For this purpose, hydrophilic,which means “water-loving”, nanoparticles can beused. The nanoparticles are chosen so that they canadhere to glass especially well. The particles areapplied to the surface, where they autonomouslyform an even, invisible layer.

Effect of electro-

chromic coating

demonstrated by

the example of a

rear view mirror

[© Gentex GmbH]

Normal rear

view mirror

[© Gentex GmbH]

15

Their negative charge keeps the neighbouring par-ticles at a distance and the surface becomes “water-loving”. Today, this technology is integrated in allwindow cleaners of Henkel (Henkel 2005).

For paint care, ARAL is using Nanoshine in car washplants. The nanoparticles used there form a smoothlayer, virtually a second skin on the car paint andother surfaces. The nanoparticles fill out uneven sur-faces and cavities, producing an extremely smoothsurface. As a result, the light rays reflect evenly andthe brilliance of the colours is enhanced. A well-known producer of nano-based maintenance andsealing products in Hesse is, amongst others, DaCie GmbH.

Currently, the term “Nano” is being used in an infla-tionary way, especially in maintenance and sealingsystems. Sometimes products are advertised as“Nano” although their working principle is notbased on nanoscale mechanisms.

2.2 Applications of nanotechnologies for the body of the car

The safety of road users is an important objective forthe development of nanostructured materials andsubstances. High-strength but flexible nanostruc-tured car body parts could be used as highly effi-cient crash absorbers. Thus, materials and weightand, consequently, fuel consumption could bereduced. For the supplier industry, the aspects relat-ing to the production technology will be the mostinteresting in the near future.

Nano steel – stable and inexpensive

Steel is traditionally one of the most importantmaterials in car body construction. Light metals andplastics are increasingly being used in cars givencurrent requirements for lightweight construction,so that the share of steel in cars is decreasing over-all. In the mid-70’s, a middle-class vehicle had a pro-portion of steel of maximally 75 per cent in its totalweight. Meanwhile, this share has dropped to 50per cent and is supposed to drop further (Rudolph2006).

The types of steel used are changing continuouslytowards high-strength steel grades in order to sat-isfy future requirements for lightweight constructionand crash safety.

A possible way to produce such high-strength steelsis using nanotechnologies. Embedded nanoparti-cles of metallic carbon nitride can multiply the per-manent strength of steel. This property is desirableespecially in long-lasting constructions such as skyscrapers or suspension bridges, where the materialused is subjected to high-temperature fluctuationsand is not allowed to fatigue even over a longerperiod of time. But even in the automotive industry,“fatigue-free“ nano steels can be of great interestdue to the increasing quantity of goods traffic e.g. inthe utility vehicle sector.

Dirt protection on car

rims with the nano rim

protector (protected

above the red mark,

unprotected below

[© De Cie GmbH]

16

Fine particles that are uniformly distributed over theentire matrix, exploiting the process of dispersionhardening, are responsible for the currently usedhigh-strength steel alloys. However this process isnot economical for the production of high quanti-ties of steel. This disadvantage could be history ifnanoparticles of metallic carbon nitride were used.Steel with a chrome share of 9 per cent producedby Japanese scientists was additionally variagatedwith carbon, nitrogen and other hardening sub-stances (Taneike 2003). In long-term loading testsof up to 10,000 hours, it was observed that a shareof 0.002 per cent of finely dispersed carbon canincrease the stability of the steel significantly. Thesmall size of only five to ten nanometres of carbonnitride particles is responsible for the outstandingproperties. The main advantage is that the newmaterial, which is much more stable compared tocurrently available high-strength steels produced inconventional production processes, can be manu-factured considerably cheaper.

Corrosion protection without Chrome-VI

An important topic in automotive engineering iscorrosion protection. According to the EU’s Old CarOrdinance, the employment of electrolytes contain-ing Chrome-VI has to be discontinued as from 2007

in the frequently used galvanicprocesses. The reasons for this are healthhazards and environmental perils arisingfrom Chrome-VI. Nevertheless, thechangeover to Chrome-III containing orchrome-free passivations proves to bedifficult. Chrome-III passivated surfaceshave an inferior protection, whereas so-called chromate layers based onChrome-VI have a self-healing effect sothat the parts treated in this way whosesurface is damaged during transport or

further processing are nevertheless protected suffi-ciently from corrosion.

In contrast to Chrome-VI, Chrome–III (chemically:Cr3+) does not have “long-term protection”. Usingnanotechnologies it has been possible to eliminatethis disadvantage through Silica (SiO2) nanoparti-cles in the electrolyte. The passivation achievedthrough galvanisation processes consists of a Cr3+-enriched layer and a layer containing SiO2 nanopar-ticles in a Cr3+ matrix.

If the zinc layer is exposed due to damage, a posi-tive surface charge builds up. The SiO2 particleshave a negative charge and migrate to the dam-aged area. The damaged area is thereby covered.The result is “self-healing”. Nano passivation issuited for zinc and zinc-iron layers. The layer thick-ness is approximately 400 nm.

Corrosion protection and self-healing of the surface. If the zinc

layer is exposed due to damage, the SiO2 particles migrate to

the damaged location and cover it [© Langner 2006]

At Holzapfel-Metallveredelung based in Sinn(Hesse) and at Herborner-Metallveredelung thespecial process for transparent zinc-iron layers wasintegrated successfully into a galvanisation processadapted to the coating of high-value bulk articles.In the fog test, the coated parts resist for 360 hourstill white rust and 720 hours till red rust (360hWR/720h RR). Thus there is no loss of corrosionresistance even at temperatures of 120°C over aperiod of 24 hours. The Chrome-VI free process isalready being used successfully for parts of chassis,brakes and doors.

Application areas ofnanotechnological

corrosion protection[© Holzapfel-Metall-

veredelung GmbH]

When the chromate

layer is damaged, the

Chrome-VI contained in it

can reproduce a protec-

tive layer by chemical

reaction. Trivalent passi-

vations usually do not

show self-healing.

[following Langer 2006]

Passivation layer

Zinc layer

Steel

Chrome layer

Zinc layer

Steel

Chrome coating contains Cr 6+Passivation contains Cr 3+

but no Cr 6+

Steel

Zinc

Cr3+-enriched layer

Cr3+-enriched layer

Nanoscaled SiO2

Steel

Zinc

Damage point

17

Nanotechnologies for the forming ofhigh-strength steels

In the manufacture of body parts, automotive pro-ducers had to make an enormous effort to fulfilincreased requirements for crash and passengersafety. Forming and joining technologies for ultrahigh-strength steel plates are being sought. Therecasting of high-strength steel materials in coldstate leads to problems relating to size accuracyand unwanted spring-back effects. An alternative torecasting special high-strength steel grades whileavoiding these disadvantages is what is called hotforming, where steel sheets are heated to almost1000°C and formed in the forming tool and cooleddiscretely. Using this process, parts of the higheststrength and of perfect fit can be produced e.g. fora safety cabin.

For the hardening process, the steel sheet is heatedup to a temperature of 950°C and pressed red hotinto the form directly from the furnace until itreaches its final geometry. The hardening takesplace by quick and selected cooling to tempera-tures below 200°C in the form. The coating of theplates, which has to fulfil several functions, is crucialfor the control of such forming processes. The coat-ing has to avoid the impurities of the unit surfacecaused by the heat treatment process through oxi-dation of the workpiece surface – called scaling.Furthermore, the friction between the workpieceand the tool has to be reduced and a sustainablecorrosion protection assured.

Based on a novel approach of the University ofKassel, a multifunctional coating system was devel-oped that is capable of solving the problem of scal-ing at high temperatures. The multifunctional pro-tective coating was realised through a combinationof a nanotechnological approach with the princi-ples of conventional paint technologies.

Thereby, vitreous and plastic-like materials in thenanometre range are bonded and connectedtogether with aluminium particles to form a protec-tive layer.

In a project syndicate of the partners Presswerk Kas-sel of the Volkswagen AG, ThyssenKrupp Steel AG,NANO-X GmbH, Dortmunder OberflächenCentrumGmbH and the Faculty of Forming Techologies ofthe University of Kassel this development was readyto start series within six months only. Including allapplication problems arising within the processchain, from the creation of the primary material atthe steel producer to the application in the produc-tion line of the automobile manufacturing.

Cold forming lubricant (wax)

Hot forming lubricant (graphite)

Inorganic-organic matrix

Scale blocker (aluminium particles)

R

HO

HOOO

R

OH

OHSi Si

O

Substrate (steel)

6–8 µm Schematic set-up of

nanocomposite coating

for hot forming

[© University of Kassel]

Sheet plate components

pre-heated to 950˚C

[© Volkswagen AG,

Presswerk Kassel]

18

Further information on this topic can be found inthe brochure “NanoProduction”, Volume 6, from theAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series.

Gluing and detaching of components on command

Gluing is gaining in importance in industrial con-struction processes, as different materials can bejoined together and a processing of the joint can beomitted. Furthermore, the use of glued connectionspromises cost advantages. The share of glued jointsis especially increasing in automotive engineering.Gluing processes can easily be integrated into auto-mated manufacturing sequences. Unlike commonglues, many industrial types of glue do not hardenat room temperature. Additional energy, mostly inthe form of heat, has to be applied externally tolaunch the gluing process. In practice, the parts tobe glued are treated in a furnace or with a hot airstream at approximately 180°C. Since the gluingsurfaces are often covered, the connecting parts areheated as well. The energy consumption and thethermal stress of the components are accordinglyhigh.

One approach is to only heat the glue layer selec-tively by microwave radiation (SusTech 2003). Theglue is tuned with special particles acting as aerials.They receive the electromagnetic energy, convert itto heat and emit it to the surrounding glue. This iscalled “gluing on command”. Here it is necessary toprovide particles that are substantially compatiblewith the glue on the one hand and meet the physi-cal requirements to absorb the energy radiationeffectively on the other hand. The solution is ferrite,i.e. doped iron oxides, which have a particle diame-ter of 10 nanometres. Due to their large specific sur-face, these nanoferrites are highly suited for thegluing process. Their optimum absorption fre-quency can be adjusted to the radiation sourcethrough chemical composition and the particle size.These nanoparticles heat up the glue layer uni-formly and selectively. Another advantage is the“implemented overheating protection”. The higherthe temperature, the lower the ability of the ferritesto absorb additional radiation and to produce heat.This prevents local overheating within the gluinglayer.

This newly developed process consumes signifi-cantly less energy. At the same time, the gluingprocess is accelerated and thereby the cycle lengthreduced. A further advantage is that in futurepainted parts and heat-sensitive plastics can beglued because of the economical glue hardening.This could open up new possibilities in the field oflightweight construction.

Pre-finished form-hardened tube of the

new VW Passat[© Volkswagen AG,

Presswerk Kassel]

Ferrite dispersions of

different concentrations

[© SusTech GmbH & Co. KG]

Application centre for metal forming (AWZ)

In future, nanotechnologies could gain in impor-tance even more through the introduction of thenew application centre for metal forming in Bau-natal in 2007, financed by the EU and the state ofHesse amongst others. The AWZ is the first seg-ment of an R&D centre for the “mobility economy”of Northern Hesse. Here, metal manufacturers arecalled upon to improve their products andprocesses in the process of fabrication by innova-tive procedures, e.g. from nanotechnologies, inorder to be able to produce more economically,quickly and more qualitatively. A new building forthe technicum, test laboratory and workshop sec-tors are planned. Apart from regional companies,the University of Kassel as the main partner is sup-plying a part of the machinery and the staff. Thescientific supervision is done by Prof. Dr. KurtSteinhoff, who has a chair for forming technolo-gies at the faculty of mechanical engineering. TheAWZ will benefit the approximately 600 enter-prises in the whole region but will also be able tooffer services for national companies.

19

SusTech from Darmstadt has developed the firstrelevant system solutions that can be used not onlyfor “gluing on command” but also for the reverseprocess, “detaching on command”. Normally,higher temperatures are required for this purpose.When the vehicles need to be disposed, the gluedparts can be detached “on command” again usingthe same principle. In this way, the joined parts canbe separated non-destructively. This enables thesubstitution of single parts during repair, homoge-neous recycling or even re-use.

SusTech was founded by six scientists from the Uni-versity of Technology in Darmstadt together withHenkel KGaA. The focus of the enterprise is on thefield of new materials. SusTech Darmstadt, a suc-cessful public-private partnership project, hasalready developed numerous nanotechnology-based processes and products in different applica-tion fields.

Principle of microwave adhesion [© SusTech GmbH & Co. KG]

Further information on this topic can be found inthe brochure “NanoProduction”, Volume 6, from theAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series.

Gecko effect for automotive production

Geckos are true porch climbers. They can climb anywall, run headfirst on ceilings or hang on the ceilingon just one leg. Special trials to assess the depend-ency of the adherence and the feet geometry have

shown that the macroscopic size and shape of thegeckos’ feet hair dictate their adherence properties.The hair is approximately 100 micrometres longand branches into smaller hair of approximately 10to 20 micrometres in length. These end in very thinplates, called terminal plates, which are 10 nanome-tres thick. This structure enormously enlarges thecontact surface on the trap. It’s assumed that thatthe climbing abilities of the gecko are based on theweak molecular Van der Waals forces, whichbecome strongly adhesive through the individualtiny hairs and their nanoscopic size. The contact of10 per cent of the hair is just enough to carry thegecko.

The first synthetic gecko hair ends have been madeof polydimethylsiloxane and polyester. The endsfrom both materials adhere just like the naturalexamples. There are numerous possible extensiveapplications of these biologically inspired adhesivemicrostructures in production and products, eventhough questions regarding series manufacturingmethods need to be clarified further. Universalgrabbers for production facilities are imaginable, asa result of which grabbing tools do not have to bechanged and can also be used surface-indepen-dently. Their use in the joining industry would alsobe possible, where the adhesive areas would bedetachable again and no glue would be requiredany more.

HeatMicrowaves

Hardened glue

Glue/ferrite composite

Left: Gecko on a glass

plate

Right: Enlargement of

the foot

[© Dr. Stanislav Grob, Evolu-

tionary Biomaterials Group,

MPI for metal research]

20

In the interior of the car, dirt-repellent seats, airfilters designed to filter particles and gaseous pol-lutants, but also anti-glare coatings of dashboardcovers play an important role. Here, not only thecomfort but also safety aspects of passengers arecrucial.

Nanofilters for clean air in the interior of the car

The automotive industry tends to especially provideto its customers enhanced comfort besidesimproved safety and reduced fuel consumption.Here, the climate inside the car is an important fac-tor among other things, mainly influenced by the airquality. For the improvement of the air quality incars, a great importance is attached to filtration ofparticles and gaseous pollutants. Meanwhile, cabinair filters belong to basic equipment in new carmodels after having been applied for the first time10 years ago.

High-quality interior air filters have to remove agreat amount of particles (e.g. pollens, spores,industrial dust) as well as odours from air enteringthe car. The filter has to function at temperaturesbetween –40°C and +100°C under changinghumidity conditions and endure vibrations, waterand microbiological fouling.

Novel filters covered with nanofibres exhibit evensuperior filter properties in comparison to conven-tional solutions. Since the fibres are in the nanome-tre range, the classical laws of fluid dynamics arenot applicable any more. The result is lower airresistance, so that energy is saved and the air canbe transported almost without any loss of pressure.The generation and the application of the nanofibres is done by electro spinning, a speciality of theprofessors Dr. Andreas Greiner and Dr. JoachimWendorff from the Philipps University of Marburg toname just a few. Air filter systems are produced byhelsa-automotive GmbH & Co. KG for example.

Nanofiltration is also used in newly developed sootfilters. Their objective is to significantly reduce thepollutant emissions in passenger and utility vehi-cles. Sooty particles are removed from the fuel gasstream and collected on a metallic fleece, thus elim-inating them from the exhaust gas. The particles aredeposited in the tiny pores of the fleece and areburned continuously at temperatures above 200°C.

Hollingsworth & Vose from Hatzfeld/Eder has beencombining the production of filter media with theproduction of very fine fibres on a nanotechnologi-cal basis for several years. Within the projectNANOWEB©, special high-performance filters havebeen developed in cooperation with the PhilippsUniversity of Marburg on the basis of refinementwith nanofibres. At Hollingsworth & Vose the elec-tro-spinning procedure is applied. The projectNANOWEB© was awarded the innovation prize ofHesse in 2004. Another producer of special fuelfilters is Faudi Aviation Fuel Filtration GmbH, alsobased in Hesse.

Other developments concern the supply of the fil-tered and conditioned air in the car cabin. To avoidthe mentioned draught through the air conditioner,the air could be discharged through special foamon the car roof. Using nanotechnologies, the foamcould be fitted so that the dirt particles in the air donot adhere to the foam material and thus do notpollute it. The heat insulation of foam will also beimproved significantly using nanotechnologies.

Magnified section of a Nanoweb® filter

[© Hollingworth & Vose]

2.3Nanotechnologies for the interior of the car

21

By decreasing the air bubble size in foams from 0.1millimetre to 100 nanometres, a substantial reduc-tion of the number of the molecules per cell isachieved. The isolated molecules thus have nochance to transmit their energy to other molecules.Collisions of molecules that are partly responsiblefor the heat transfer are thus largely eliminated.Desirable heat insulating properties can beachieved with clearly thinner insulating layers.

Further information on this topic can be found inthe brochure “NanoProduction”, Volume 6, from theAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series.

Anti-glare layer for improved vision

The avoidance of unwanted reflections on dash-boards and cockpit instruments helps improve traf-fic safety. A surface coating in the nanometre rangecan directly influence the behaviour of light pene-tration into the transparent material.

The surface structuring in the micrometre rangeallows the prevention of reflections for a wide rangeof wavelengths. This functional principle has beencopied from the moth’s eye. An additional nano-structuring of the surface results in a refractionindex gradient moving from the outside to theinside, so that light waves are practically notreflected. This surface structure is interesting fromthe aspect of cost reduction. Instead of multiplecoating steps, these special surface structures canbe realised in one process step. Ideally, the struc-turing step is combinable with the productionprocess. Another anti-glare method is the produc-tion of nanoscaled air inclusions on the surface.

These pores reduce thetotal refraction value of thelayer. Pores smaller than1/20th of the light wave-length can’t be dissolved bylight and thus do not haveany unwanted diffusioneffects. Apart from ques-tions regarding opticalproperties, possibilities ofintegration into the existingproduction processes arealso being investigated aswell as their suitability fromthe viewpoint of mechanicalstability (Volkswagen 2003).

Anti-reflection coatings arenot only interesting forinstruments. Another focus of the work is the avoid-ance of reflections of the instrument panel on thewindscreen. Depending on light conditions, streaksand reflections on the windscreen can result ifbright instrument panels are used. Technically, theproblem is solved using black or at least very darkinstrumentation boards. If the reflections on thewindscreen could be greatly reduced, attractivedesign possibilities could result. For physical rea-sons, a sufficient anti-reflection coating of the wind-screen is only possible if both sides are coated. Butespecially the outer side of the windscreen is sub-jected to such extreme stress for which no currentlyknown system seems to sufficiently meet the highquality requirements of automobile producers.

Further information on this topic can be found inthe brochure “NanoOptics”, Volume 5, from theAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series.

Contamination control and fragrance fornew car seats

Car seats often come into contact with wet or dirtyclothing. When the door is opened, rainwater orsnow can get onto the seats causing water and dirtstains. Theses unwanted effects can be minimisedor even avoided by using materials for the impreg-nation of fabric and leather coverings. Such sub-stances have spread rapidly in the last few years andare being offered by many producers of accessoriesin spray cans or fluids. There are products for tis-sues, leather, and leatherette alternatively that arecommercially offered on inorganic-organic hybridmaterials based on aqueous or alcoholic solutions.

Absorptionin glass ~1%

~100%

~8%~91%

Absorptionin glass ~1%

~100%

~1%~98%

Schematic

representation of the

function of anti-glare

coatings on glass

[© Volkswagen AG]

Anti-glare coating on dashboards [© Volkswagen AG]

22

After a dipping or spraying application, a thin invis-ible film builds up covering the fibres. The impreg-nated layers have a significant hydrophobic and fat-repellent effect. Thus the rate of humidity penetra-tion in case of water and pollutants entering isreduced. A similar clever effect is exploited to pro-duce specific fragrances on leather seats. Disper-sions with micro capsules that can be sprayed con-tain scents. Aqueous micro capsule dispersionsoffer the possibility to furnish for instance leatherwith diverse fragrances (Bayer AG, 2005). On theone hand, the capsules have to be small enough topenetrate the leather; on the other hand, they haveto be big enough to adhere between the fibres.

After spraying the capsules penetrate the leatherreaching different depths. The shell of the capsule isonly a few nanometres thick and made of polycar-bamide. The scent is placed inside. Only when thecapsule is stressed mechanically does the nano filmburst and release the fragrance. If the seat isunused, the capsules stay intact and the scent staysenclosed. What is working on leather already canbe applied on textiles as well.

One producer of impregnation substances thatconsist of inorganic-organic hybrid materials is DeCie GmbH located in Hesse. Aqueous micro cap-sule dispersions are produced by Bayer AG.

Tyres are definitely the most often cited applica-tions of nanotechnologies in automobiles. Here,today profits amounting to billions are being made.Nevertheless, tyres are high-tech products that arebeing developed continuously. The application ofnew nanoscaled particles leaves room for futureimprovement of running qualities and reliability.

High-tech tyres with nanostructured soot

An important role in the properties of tyres is playedby rubber mixtures. They determine the perform-ance of the cover of tyre that makes contact with theroad. Usually, 30 per cent of the cover consists ofreinforcing filler which makes possible wantedproperties such as grip, abrasion resistance, resist-ance to initial tear and tear propagation (Klock-mann 2006). For the optimisation of tyres, contra-dictory requirements sometimes have to be ful-filled. On the one hand, the tyre needs good gripwhile, on the other hand, its rolling resistance has tobe low. Furthermore, it needs to be resistant toabrasion while being slip-proof, prohibiting thevehicle to slide.

The mechanisms behind these tyre properties thatpartly contradict each orther are many highly com-plex chemical and physical interactions betweenthe rubber and the filler material (Oberholz 2001).

Left: Oil drops on

impregnated fabric

[© De Cie GmbH]

Right: Water drops on

impregnated leather

[© De Cie GmbH]

Right: Modern passenger

car tyres – here the layout

of a so-called RunOnFlat

tyre by Dunlop – are very

complex technical prod-

ucts, whose development

and production make the

highest demands on

modern manufacturing

technologies.

[© Dunlop GmbH & Co. KG]

2.4 Chassis and tyres

23

There are three products that significantly improvethe properties of natural rubber: soot, silica andorganosilane. Soot is added to the rubber mixture,whose exact composition is secret, as are silica,which need organosilica for the chemical bondingwith the rubber. After being produced, the soot andthe silica particles have dimensions in the nanome-tre range. The size and form of the particles as wellas the cross-linking with the natural rubber mole-cules play a key role for tyre properties.

Tyre components: Soot (carbon black) above, Silica bottom left

and Organosilane bottom right [© Degussa AG]

Soot and silica, which are the two most importantreinforcing chemicals in tyres, originally had differ-ing functions: while silica scores higher in passen-ger cars, especially on the cover of tyre, soot pre-vails in utility vehicles not only because of its excel-lent abrasion resistance (Oberholz 2006). By usingnanostructured soot as a filler in tyres, prolongeddurability and higher fuel efficiency can beachieved. These novel soot particles have a coarsersurface than those that have been used so far. Dueto the increased surface energy of the nanoparti-cles, interactions with the natural rubber moleculesincrease. This leads to a reduction of inner frictionand, consequently, to better rolling resistance.

At the same time, the strain vibrations that occurwithin the material at high speeds are reduced. Theconsequence is a superior traction, especially onwet roads.

For the production of nanostructured soot, a modi-fied burning process was developed by DegussaAG, which ensures the profitableness of this pro-duction technique. Hesse is strongly represented inGermany in the field of tyre producers and suppli-ers for automobiles and motorcycles. Apart fromleading tyre producers such as Good-year Dunlopin the Hessian plant in Fulda and Hanau, Pirelli inHöchst, Continental in Korbach and BridgestoneGermany in Bad Homburg, world market leaders inthe supply of tyre fillers such as Degussa and Cabotare located in Hesse.

Driving comfort through switchable materials

In the design of an automotive chassis, there isalways a conflict between comfort and safety. A“soft” chassis is considered comfortable, a “hard”one, on the other hand, is considered safe. Inadjustable damping systems, the optimal hardnesscan be adjusted depending on the situation.

The core of these adjustable damping systems isthe so-called magneto- or electro-rheologic(MR/ER) fluid, which is classified as “a smart mate-rial”. In these fluids the viscosity can be changedinstantly, stepless and reversibly by applying a mag-netic or electric field. The effect is based upon thefact that polarised particles in the substrate fluidarrange themselves along the field lines and formchains. The effective viscosity is thus increased,which means that the flow resistance of the fluidrises. If the magnetic or electric field is removed, thechains decompose and the fluid becomes thinagain.

100–

200

nm

10–20 nm

0,34 nm

20–50 nm

0,81 nm

Monomer unit

50 nm

Polymer ball100–200 nm

104–106 nm

Graphite

Primary particles

Soot aggregate

Soot agglomerate

Layout of a tyre running

surface. Comparison of

size between individual

components.

[© Volkswagen AG]

24

This change can hap-pen very quickly. Inmilliseconds a fluidcan be transformedinto a tenacious gel.A special oil of Fludi-con (Darmstadt) canswitch between fluidand solid states 1500times per second.Such speeds areespecially interestingfor hydraulic systems,

since modern high-pressure systems nowadays canonly close 400-500 times per second. Anotheradvantage over conventional systems is that theycan be built more simple and compact. Lessmechanical parts are needed, which can result inweight reduction. Fludicon has used this propertyto design valves without moving parts. Classicalapplication fields in the automobile are dampers,actors and gears. In the field of actuators, the dreamof an active chassis could soon come true. Chassiscan be realised that are able to even out irregulari-ties of the road and compensate driving dynamics.

This has been developed under the Federal Min-istry of Education and Research (BMBF) project“Adaptronic Transportation System”. Within anotherBMBF/WING project, the integration of the adap-tive system into the chassis was successfully made.Research by the Frauenhofer LBF in Darmstadt isbeing supervised by Prof. Hanselka, who is alsoresponsible for the BMBF’s lead project Adaptron-ics.

Adaptronic transportation system for maintaining

the position of a transport medium [© Fludicon GmbH]

At his stage electronics is an innovation driver in theautomotive sector, since more and more compo-nents are being controlled electronically, electro-mechanically or electromagnetically. Nanostruc-tured actor components could substitute currentmicrosystems technology-based direct injectionsystems for instance. The replacement of tungstenfilaments by economical and durable LEDs is cur-rent practice today and will certainly expand. Alter-native proposals for car drive lines, such as fuel celltechnologies that are currently topical in the R&D ofalmost all OEMs, could get some innovation pushfrom nanotechnologies, for instance in the field ofhydrogen storage.

Super caps as efficient energy storage

With the spreading of different hybrid drive con-cepts, systems for the reuse of braking energy,known as recuperation, are being enhanced.Thereby, the moving energy is converted into elec-trical current via generator during braking and

stored in accumulators or super caps. This energy isavailable at the restart for acceleration. Principally,caps can buffer very quickly and almost without anyloss compared to accumulators. Nevertheless, sofar only caps with a low capacity have been avail-able for the automotive sector.

Using nanotechnologies, super capacitors – shortsuper caps, ultra caps or scaps – with high-energycapacities are currently being developed andrealised. Super caps consist of a metallic contact foiland of highly porous layer electrodes with nanos-tructure, electrolytes and a separator foil. In superconductors there are 10 to several 1000 Farad inone package. If a 100-Farad super cap has the sizeof a match box, this would correspond to a capacityof 100 million standard capacitors connected inparallel with a capacity of 1 Farad. Therefore, thesuper cap is the link between the common capaci-tor and the battery (Fischle 2005). It combines theadvantages of a capacitor, which is a quick currentsupplier, with those of the battery, which is an

2.5 Electrics and electronics

Viscosity control by

application of an

electrical field

[© Fludicon GmbH]

25

appreciable energy storage device. In comparisonto conventional caps, a material that conducts ionsbut no electrons is used instead of non-conductingelectrolyte. The charge concentrates on both sidesof the boundary surface on a very thin layer ofapproximately one nanometre, which leads to ahigh capacity. On the other hand, the application ofhighly porous layer electrodes allows for a largeeffective surface, which also contributes to the highcapacity (Böcker 2006). Super caps feature veryhigh power densities and low internal resistancesand are applicable for short-term maximum currentsupply. Therefore, they are flexibly usable high-power storage elements with almost unlimiteddurability and a solid energy balance and eco-bal-ance.

Set-up of a super capacitor [© EPCOS AG]

In future, a large number of super caps is expectedto be applied in hybrid vehicles. But also in fuel cellvehicles, super caps complete the short-termenergy supply of power-intensive driving. Furtherpotential automotive applications also include thesupplementation of the battery storage of the 42-Vautomotive power supply system. An increasingnumber of power-intensive consumer applications,such as electromagnetic door locks and valve actu-ation or catalyst pre-heaters, have to be supplied onshort notice. Start/stop operation with the alternatoralso requires a high short-time power supply, whichcould be recovered by means of braking energy. Inthis regard, enormous fuel saving potentials arebeing predicted.

Nanotechnologies are also being applied in high-performance lithium ion batteries, the main futurepower source of hybrid drives. Lithium ion batteriesare increasingly gaining in importance since theyare smaller, lighter and more powerful than lead- ornickel-metal hydride alternatives. Up to now semi-

permeable membranes have been used as separa-tors in lithium ion batteries for the separation of theanode and the cathode (Oberholz 2006).

However, such separators have serious disadvan-tages. For instance, they are not sufficiently temper-ature-stable and combustible. The separator devel-oped by Degussa overcomes these problems. Itconcerns a two-sided ceramic coating of a PET poly-mer matrix, which shows inappropriate chemicaland thermal stability while being flexible at thesame time. The starting point of the ceramic layersare nanoscaled powders of different metal oxides.Meanwhile, Degussa holds 25 patents for this spe-cial technology covering products and processes aswell as applications.

Ion conductor

Electron enrichment

Current collector

Electrode

Electrolyte ions

Electrically insulating separator (permeable for ions)

Electron depletion

Schematic illustration

of a super capacitor.

Extremely high capaci-

tances are achieved

through the formation

of double layers on the

electrodes and their

large specific surface.

[following Bauer 2005]

Paper produced by the

special paper manufac-

turer Oberschmitten

GmbH for operation as

separator material in

super caps. The main

advantage of the paper

is its fine and dense struc-

ture with simultaneous

good permeability for

the electrolyte.

[© Spezialpapierfabrik

Oberschmitten GmbH]

26

Nanosensors in automotive applications

Sensors that are sensitive tothe driver’s intention andare capable of monitoringthe state of a number ofaggregates are basic com-ponents of today’s mecha-tronic systems in automo-biles. In moving systems,position and angle sensorsplay a key role. In order toimprove the reliability ofmechatronic systems, con-tactless magnetic field sen-

sors are increasingly being applied that operate onthe magnetoresistive principle. There are a numberof applications in automobiles for such magneticfield sensors. Examples include ABS, door windows,sun roofs, control of driving dynamics or steeringangle sensors.

The measuring principle of a magnetic field sensorconsists of the conversion of a position or move-ment information of a magnet to an electric signal,using the giant magnetoresistive effect (GMR). TheGMR effect only takes place in extremely thin layers.The thickness of these layers is only a few nanome-tres. In its simplest form two magnetic layersenclose a non-magnetic layer. If the two magneticlayers are magnetised inversely, the electrical resist-ance in the layer system is higher than in the case ofrectified magnetisation. Because of the noticeablechange in resistance, which in practice can add upto 50 per cent, this effect is called “giant”.

GMR sensors can be built much smaller than con-ventional magnetic sensors. Further advantages ofthe GMR sensor are a low power consumption anda significantly lower temperature dependency ofthe measured signal. Even at high temperature fluc-

tuations, they provide relatively constant measure-ment values and thus can be applied at high tem-peratures as well, e.g. in the vicinity of the motor. Aspecial challenge facing production technology isthe reproducible manufacture of nanometre thinlayers, which so far have been brought to serial pro-duction only by a few companies.

Sensitec GmbH from Lahnau in Hesse has been thefirst European company to start the series produc-tion of GMR sensors. The company has been suc-cessfully operating in the field of GMR sensors forindustrial and automotive applications. The sensorsare being applied in electrical power control forinstance. At the moment, Sensitec is the owner ofthe currently most capable chip factory for mag-netic sensors in Europe.

Fuel cells for the car of the future

The electronics in the automobile is an intrinsicinnovation driver with ever-new applications. Powerconsumption in automobiles has risen drasticallyover the past few years. Apart from entertainmentelectronics, new safety and comfort functions havegained in importance. These electricity consumersare increasingly stressing the energy supply in theautomobile. Also due to the low degree of effi-ciency, today up to a third of engine power has tobe used for electricity generation. Because of theincreasing shortage of fossil fuels and the resultanthigh fuel prices, alternative and efficient energysources are becoming more and more important.Fuel cells could solve a series of problems. Probablythe biggest advantage is the high efficiency of thefuel cell, which can be used to substantially reducefuel consumption. In combination with an accumu-lator, it could equally produce sufficient power forthe vehicle’s system and relieve the engine drive,which could then be given smaller dimensions.

Steering angle sensor

based on the GMR effect

[© Robert Bosch GmbH]

Magnetoresistive GMR

sensor which has multiple

layers with thicknesses

of 2 nm and which is

reversely positioned onto

a board using Flip-Chip

Assembly with four

300 µm thick lead balls.

[© Sensitec GmbH]

The fatigue strength and

sustainability for everyday

use of the fuel cell car

HydroGen3 was tested suc-

cessfully by GM and Opel

through a marathon tour.

On the 10,000 km long

journey through Europe in

June 2004 the prototype

crossed 14 countries.

[© Adam Opel GmbH]

27

Pure fuel cell vehicles can completely do without acombustion engine and concentrate on a combina-tion of the fuel cell as energy converter and theelectro-engine or several electro-engines for thedrive respectively. The accumulator or a super captakes up power peaks while the fuel cell runs evenly,recharging the battery. The high-temperature PEMfuel cell, which operates at 160°C-180°C, toleratesimpurities and can be easily cooled, has excellentprospects.

The actual chemical reaction between hydrogenand oxygen that results in current and heat occurs inthe core of the fuel cell, the so-called membraneelectrode unit (MEA). The splitting of the hydrogenmolecules at the anode into ions and electrons andof the oxygen molecules at the cathode takes place

between the gasdiffusion electrodewith catalyst and themembrane. A sur-face of the catalystthat should be aslarge as possible isessential for theoperation of themembrane elec-trode unit andtherefore for the

performance of the whole system. The enlargementof the active surface can be achieved usingnanoscaled platinum molecules. There are differentconcepts for the effective bonding of the platinummolecules. The challenge is to distribute these par-ticles equally, to keep the surface free and to avoidan agglomeration during the operation.

But effective hydrogen storage, which in the view ofcurrent science can only be solved by nanocrys-talline materials, is a challenge too. Even though theapplication of fuel cells in automobiles has beendelayed, fuel cells are largely being used in proto-types and test vehicles already.

PEMEAS in Frankfurt has established itself as theleading provider of core components and subsys-tems for the booming fuel cell industry. Since thecompany is continuing the fuel cell activities offormer Hoechst AG, which was set up as early as1994, it can look back on more than 10 years ofexperience. PEMEAS is continuously improvingmembranes and catalysts to enhance fuel cell per-formance, and to increase its robustness and costefficiency. Umicore, which is located in Hanau, isanother important world-wide important producer.

Schematic representation of the functionality of a fuel cell

[© PEMEAS GmbH]

In academic research, the workgroup of Prof. Dr.Fröba of the Justus Liebig University of Gießen isengaged in the synthesis and characterisation ofnanoporous materials for gas storage. A teamheaded by Prof. Dr. Scheppat from the University ofWiesbaden is working on different aspects of fuelcell technology.

Bi-polar plate(anode)

Gas diffusionelectrode with catalyst layer

Membrane

Gas diffusionelectrode with catalyst layer

Bi-polar plate (cathode)

Heat

H O2

Oxygen

Hydrogen

2H2 4H+ + 4e– O2 + 4e– 2O2–

2H2

HHH

He

ee

ee

e ee

OO O2

Preparation of the

membrane elec-

trode unit in the

production facility

[© PEMEAS GmbH]

Highly porous nano cubes for

hydrogen storage

[© BASF AG]

28

Solar energy in automobiles

Solar cells have long been discussed as an addi-tional source of energy supply for the electric andelectronic components in automobiles. Normally,silica-based solar cells are used to generate electri-cal current from sunlight. Their production is costlyand complicates their use on a large scale, since thesemiconducting materials require extremely cleanatomic lattices for this application. In 1991, a solarcell invented by the chemist Michael Grätzel of the“Eidgenössische Hochschule Lausanne” and whichis based on biological principles made news. Hethen predicted low production costs and durability.The cell referred to as the “Grätzel cell” is geared tothe photosynthesis of plants for energy generationfrom sunlight.

In the conventional cell, the silicon supplies theneeded electrons when exposed to sunlight. Thesecan migrate to the electrodes owing to the electri-cal conductivity of the semiconductor. In the“Grätzel cell” both those functions are fulfilled bydifferent substances. An organic substance, such aschlorophyll, handles the electron supply. Ananoporous titan oxide layer with a large surface isused for the transmission to the electrodes. Thedesign is such that two glass plates have a transpar-ent electrode each. Plate 1 carries the layer with thedye-sensitised titan oxide layer. Plate 2 is coatedwith platinum as catalyst; in between there is theelectrolyte solution.

The low-light efficiency compared to silicon-basedsolar cells is compensated by the specific propertyto deliver current even at weak light radiation. Dueto its simple design, the possibility to realize largesurfaces and a low environmental impact duringproduction, the “Grätzel cell” is said to have a enor-mous future potential.

The costs for future high-volume production areestimated at 20 per cent of the silicon-based solarcells.

Further information on this topic can be found inthe brochure “NanoOptics”, Volume 5, from theAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech series.

Reflection

Reflection

Radiation

Anti-glarelayer

Photovoltaicmodule orsun collector

Solar transmission:>95%> 90%

A 150 nm thin layer

of silica balls reduces

surface reflection on

glass from eight to two

per cent.

[© Merck KGaA]

Micro-structured solar cells integrated in car sunroofs could be

substituted by nano solar cells in future [© DaimlerChrysler AG]

A difficulty concerning conventional solar cells is the

efficiency loss due to the reflection of light at the

solar glass pane. This loss represents almost 10 per

cent even in high-quality solar glass panes. The com-

panies Merck KGaA and Centrosolar Glas GmbH &

Co.KG together with the Fraunhofer Institutes ISC

and ISE have succeeded in developing a glass coat-

ing on the basis of the sol gel technology. The coat-

ing reduces the reflection of the sunlight and thus

increases the efficiency of solar systems by up to

6 per cent. The special know-how of the scientists

from Merck has contributed to the development of

the sol. It consists of a mixture of silica balls in two

sizes distributed in a solvent mixture. The desired

nanoporous layer, which applies a wideband antire-

flection coating, results from a combination of parti-

cles with diameters of 10 nm and 35 nm. In order to

coat the glass pane with SiO2 hybrid sol Solarpur©,

they are dipped into a tank containing the sol and

pulled out at constant speed. The thickness of the

antireflection layer can be influenced by the drawing

speed. The optimum thickness for solar applications

is 120 nm. When the panes are dried using a gel, the

sol becomes the nanoporous layer, which is hard-

ened at 600-700°C together with the glass. The low

refractive index of the layer (of only 1.25) causes a

reflection reduction over the whole energetically

usable spectrum of light from 400 nm to 2500 nm.

The solar transmission (AMI 1.5) increases from 90

per cent (high-quality solar glass) to over 95 per cent.

29

Measures to improve combustion efficiency, such asa fully variable valve control and ultra-precision fuelinjection, optimise the combustion process andlead to improved fuel consumption. But also theminimisation of engine friction by new nano layersystems can result in fuel savings in future.

Low-friction aggregate components for fuel saving

In modern passenger cars 10-15 per cent of the fuelconsumption is influenced by engine friction due tothe friction loss at the moving mechanical parts.Among these parts are, apart from the piston aggre-gate, comprising the cylinder wall and the piston,the elements of the crank drive (crank shaft, con-necting rod and bearings) as well as the valve drivegroup, including the cam shaft and the valves. Thefriction of the piston aggregate causes the majorpart of the mechanical friction losses. Nanotech-nologies can help reduce fuel consumption byreducing friction.

Nanocrystalline coating materials applied onto thecylinder wall reduce friction and abrasion and thusfuel consumption. DaimlerChrysler AG has startedthe research project “Nanocrystalline compositecoatings for cylinder tracks with nanostructured sur-face and abrasion prediction for highly stressedpetrol and diesel engines NaCoLab” together withother partners from the industry and universitieswithin the framework of the lead innovation projectNanomobil of the BMBF. The aim of the project is todirectly coat the tracks of the aluminium crankcasewith nano materials. Thereby it has been possible sofar to remove the cylinder barrel needed in alu-minium crankcases. Coating materials with embed-ded nanocrystals with a size from 60 nm to 130 nmon the basis of iron carbide and boride result inextremely hard surfaces with low friction properties.

Piezo injectors for ultra-precise fuel injection

Modern high-efficiency diesel systems work on thebasis of high-pressure injection systems. In the caseof direct injection, a pump first builds up high pres-sure before it shoots the fuel finely dosed into thecombustion chamber of the cylinder via a nozzle.The precision with which this happens directly influ-ences the combustion process. The higher the pres-sure and the more precisely the dose and time ofinjection can be controlled, the more efficient andhence eco-friendly fuel combustion will be.

Piezo-ceramic materials allow realizing higher forcesand speeds in comparison to conventional actuatorsfor fuel injection and thereby clearly reduce con-sumption, pollutant emission and noise, using thepiezoelectric effect to enable the opening and clos-ing mechanisms of the injection valve.

The piezoelectric effect causes a geo-metric change when an elec-tric voltage is appliedor, reversely, acharge move-ment if mechan-ically deformed. If an electrical voltage is applied tosuch a material, it deforms very quickly. From thishigh mechanical forces result that can be used forthe control of the fuel injection. The practically con-trollable regulating distances are in the nanometrerange or below. In order to achieve higher regulat-ing distances, the piezoelectric elements are sta-pled. Increasingly, nanocrystalline piezoelectricmaterials are being used. An often-used material islead-zirkone titanate.

Piezo injectors enable several finely dosed injec-tions per combustion cycle in powerful dieselengines at 1600 bar injection pressure.

2.6Nanotechnologies for engine and drive train

Preparation of the engine

block for nano coating

(left) and coating of the

engine block (right)

[© DaimlerChrysler AG]

Piezo injector for the

direct injection of petrol

[© Robert Bosch GmbH]

30

The members of the staff of Robert Bosch GmbHand Siemens VDO Automotive were awarded theGerman future prize of the federal president fortheir work on piezo injectors.

Exhaust emission catalyst for the reductionof exhaust emissions

Today the reduction of exhaust emissions in auto-mobiles is not imaginable without catalysts anymore. They consist of high-grade steel housingsthat include catalytically active materials used forthe conversion of pollutants to nitrogen, steam andcarbon dioxide.

Most of the passenger cars operate on stoichomet-rically driven Otto engines. In such engines thepetrol air mixture is composed in a way that theo-retically a complete combustion of the fuel isachieved. For exhaust cleaning, systems based onthree-way catalysts are used. These can convert thethree main pollutants or pollutant types – carbonmonoxide, nitric oxides and hydrocarbons – as faras possible and thus remove them from the exhaustgas.

During the conversion of toxic to non-toxic gasesnanotechnologies play a crucial role. The impact ofcatalysts generally depends on the size of the sur-face. If the material used for the catalytic function isscaled to the nanometre range, the specific surfaceincreases drastically. The composition and structureare chosen such that exhaust gases interact opti-mally with the catalytically active coating, and theirchemical transformation into harmless substancesis accelerated.

Several engine manufacturers work together onOtto engines that are equipped with a direct petrolinjection system and tuned “lean” – meaning a mix-ture rich in air – to be in accordance with today’secological requirements. These engines consumeup to 15 to 20 per cent less fuel than normally tuned

Otto engines. However, the chemical reduction ofthe produced nitric oxides in this oxygen enrichedatmosphere poses a big challenge for the exhaustpost treatment. NOx-absorber catalysts or NOx-storage catalysts were developed to solve thisproblem. Umicore delivers NOx-absorber catalystsfor direct injectors as the first European manufac-turer.

The Umicore AG & Co.KG is one of the leadingenterprises in the field of exhaust emission cata-lysts. Catalysts for petrol engines, exhaust emissioncleaning systems for engines with petrol directinjection, catalysts for diesel engines, diesel partic-ulate filter as well as production of fuel cell compo-nents belong to the product lineup. One of the twomajor global research locations of Umicore islocated in Hanau near Frankfurt.

Functionality of a car exhaust catalyst

[© Umicore AG & Co. KG]

Piezo inline injector

in operation

[© Robert Bosch GmbH]

H2O

CO2N2

HC

CONOx

CO + 1/2 O2 = CO2H4C2+ 3 O2 = 2 CO2 + 2 H2O

CO + NOx = CO2 + N2

Main reaction

Substrate

Exhaust gas

Purifiedexhaust gas

Catalytically active material

31

The terms smaller, quicker and highly productiveare trademarks that are becoming more and moreimportant and which are of strategic importance forinternational competitiveness (BMBF 2002). Withinthe framework a study funded by the federalresearch department on the “economic potential ofnanotechnologies in Germany” (Luther et al. 2004)a comprehensive survey was undertaken by theGerman nanotechnology enterprises. The surveyshows that the enterprises attach great importanceto nanotechnologies. More than 75 per cent of thecompanies see the chance that nanotechnologiescould open up new markets for them. More than 60per cent of the companies expect a decisive advan-tage from the use of nanotechnologies.

A study conducted in Hesse in 2005 shows compa-rable results (HA 2005). Nanotechnologies withtheir numerous application possibilities could givean impetus to innovations in many industries thatare important for Hesse, including the automotiveindustry. Nanotechnologies have a significantimpact on materials and substances. In the view ofthe companies questioned in Hesse, this will allowmany innovations in numerous other industries.About 100 Hessian enterprises use nanotechnolo-gies in their production processes or productsalready. Mostly, this either concerns large compa-nies where nanotechnologies make up a small partof the enterprise, or rather smaller companies spe-cialising in these technologies.

The results of the survey clearly show that the sec-tors of chemistry and materials are of the greatestimportance to German nanotechnology companies.The central functional properties in these two sec-tors lie in improved material properties and surfacefunctionalisation, followed by protective and opticalfunctions, i.e. classic and application-near require-ments, which are also applied in automobiles.

Patents and families of patent families respectivelyare an important indicator that allow comparingeconomic potentials and their implementation inrelation to other countries. According to a 2004 sur-vey by the European Patent Office (EPO), EPO mem-ber states account for 18 per cent of patent families,Japan for 25 per cent and the USA for 49 per cent(Scheu 2004).

Within Europe, Germany is leading with 8 per cent,followed by France with 4 per cent and Great Britainwith 3 per cent. On the one hand, this shows Ger-many’s leading position in Europe, but on the otherhand, it makes clear that the USA and Japan pos-sess considerably more patents. This can be under-stood as a sign that the USA and Japan will lead inthe commercialisation of nanotechnologies if thiscountry does not succeed in quickly transferringnanotechnological developments into marketableproducts.

Worldwide regional distribution of nanotechnology patents.

Germany leads in Europe in patent families issued.

[© European Patent Office (EPO), Scheu 2004]

3 The economic potential ofnanotechnologies for the automotiveindustry and its subcontractors

EPO member countries 18%

USA 49%

Japan 25%

Korea 2%

Others 6%

Germany 8%

France 4%

Great Britain 3%

Other EPO members 3%

32

The impact caused by nanotechnologies will havemassive consequences for Germany’s future devel-opment in particular in the automotive sector, sinceit is perceived as the internationally leading andnational key industry of the German national econ-omy (BMBF 2004). About a third of the R&D of theGerman economy is done by the automotive indus-try. In 2001 alone, 14 billion Euro were raised toensure Germany’s extraordinary position in theautomotive industry through cutting-edge technol-ogy, including nanotechnologies.

Taking into account the components in the automo-tive industry influenced by nanotechnologies, thecurrent world market volume can basically be attrib-uted to profits from car tyre sales (Frost & Sullivan2004). A rapid increase in the market volume ofautomotive components influenced by nanotech-nologies is expected over the next few years (Frost& Sullivan 2004). Between 2012 and 2015 an aver-age annual growth rate from more than 20 per centto more than 50 per cent is expected. Here paints,electronic equipment such as sensors/actuatorsand lightweight construction in particular areexpected to play an important role. Consequently,the automotive (supplier) industry and processtechnology will be of great importance.

In the automotive industry a continuous trendtowards the reduction of vertical manufacture hasbeen observed for car manufacturers for a longtime. This means new sales potential for supplierssince they can offer complete modular solutionsthat only need to be fitted together by car manufac-turers. Practically for all suppliers it is essential toexpand their technology competency in future. Theapplication of nanotechnologies can strengthen thecompetency of suppliers even more and secure theunique selling position of products or productiontechniques.

A crucial aspect is the recruiting of qualifiedemployees and the advanced training of existingemployees respectively. It will thus be necessary topay attention to a mix of qualified personnel, wherea change from the classical mechanical engineer ormachinist to the scientist or more versatile worker,such as the mechatronics technician, will take place.The build-up and preservation of (nano-)technolog-ical competence begins with the cooperation withinstitutes and universities.

[© Audi AG]

33

Germany is one of the first countries to apply specificfunding programmes for nanotechnologies in con-nection with automotive technologies and to leadthe way in this technology field. With the lead inno-vation project NanoMobil, a four-year support meas-ure by the Federal Ministry of Education andResearch (BMBF), the research and developmentactivities for nanaotechnological applications in traf-fic engineering, especially in the field of automotiveindustry and its suppliers, are to be encouraged.Research institutes, suppliers and automotive com-panies are participating in numerous interdiscipli-nary projects. Research and development topics ofthe lead innovation project NanoMobil are especiallyconcerned with fields of higher importance such assafety, ecology/sustainability and comfort. The proj-ects are meant to have a signal function and act ascatalysts for further R&D activities in the industry.

The lead innovation project NanoMobil started atthe end of 2004. The programme is being coordi-nated by Jülich (PtJ) for the federal government.The possible market potential of the products con-cerned and the relevant consequences for the jobsituation in Germany play an important role in theselection of the funded projects. Pure niche devel-opments without potential for a later broad impactwere not accounted for within the framework of thislead innovation. A budget of 32.5 million Euro wasplanned for the measures, including a co-invest-ment by the industry of the same amount.

Information: www.bmbf.de/de/1846.php

In Hesse, nanotechnology companies were sub-sidised within the framework of a model and pilotproject funding by the Ministry of Economics,Transport, Urban and Regional Development inHesse 2006–2008. The technology programmesupervised by HA Hessen Agentur and co-fundedby the EU was used by small and medium-sizedcompanies in Hesse proposing to develop nan-otechnologies or to apply them to product orprocess innovations. Eligible for funding are indi-vidual and joint projects as well as technology trans-fer projects with universities and development cen-tres. This measure was designed to place the focusof support primarily on projects in the field of nan-otechnologies and material technology.

Information: www.nanohe.de

Under its Hessen NanoMatTech corporate financingprogramme (2006–2008), the state of Hesse sup-ported companies in funding innovations, productdevelopments and market penetrations / introduc-tions in the field of nanotechnologies. In particular,companies that not only make use of nanotechno-logical methods, but also provide ideas and areactive in developing such methods, could receiveallocations of up to 750,000 euros in the form ofjunior loans, thus helping to strengthen their equitycapital base.

Information: www.nanohe.de

On the European level, nanotechnology researchwas funded under the 6th funding programme withpriority 3, with focus on nanotechnologies andmaterials. Overall, the programme provided about370 million Euro annually for nanotechnology proj-ects (Wagner 2006). Aspects relevant for the auto-motive industry, e.g. hydrogen storage for fuel cells,are funded under various projects. Within theframework of the 7th funding programme, a sum of5,940 million Euro is planned as funds for the trans-portation sector and another 4,832 million Euro forthe “Nanosciences, Materials and new ProductionTechnologies” sector over the period from 2007 to2013.

Information: http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/breakdown.htm

4 Research programmes, financing schemesand networks

34

Co-operative project

Transparent nanocomposites on polymer basis

Application of innovative nano materials inrubber mixtures for the improvement of thefunctionalities of tyres and technical elastomerproducts in the automotive sector

Innovative nano-structured substances for technical elestomer products in automotive engineering

NanoElastomer

New elastomer products on the basis ofnanocomposites

New tyre rubbers on basis of elastomernanocomposites (Montmorillonite-Silica-Hybrid(MSH) Nanos)

Development and research of a prototype facilityfor the production of nanocrystalline coatings oncylinder tracks in passenger car aluminium crankshaft housings

Development of novel wire injection techniquesfor coating cylinder tracks in highly chargedpetrol and diesel engines

Nanocrystalline composites – Coatings forcylinder tracks with nano-structured surfaces andabrasion prediction for highly stressed petroland diesel engines – NaCoLab

Nano coating through PTWA injection technology

Application of new wire injection techniques forcoating cylinder tracks in highly charged petroland diesel enginesPart: PTWA coating technologies – process andlayer development

Nano-structured high-temperature semi-conduc-tors for integrated exhaust gas sensors in dieselengine applications and lean-mix engine appli-cations – NanoHoch

Companies and institutions in charge of project

implementation

Bayer MaterialScience corporation,BMW corporation, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co,Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC),Neue Materialien Würzburg GmbH,SKZ-KFE gGmbH

Continental corporation

ContiTech AG

Süd-Chemie corporation

German institute for Rubber Research Inc.

Leibniz institute for polymer research Dresden Inc.

GTV Abrasion resistance-GmbH & Co.KG

Opel Powertrain GmbH

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche corporation, DaimlerChryslercorporation, Ford plants GmbH, University ofKassel, University of Duisburg-Essen, Carolo-Wil-helmina University of Technology Braunschweig,Federal Mogul Burscheid GmbH, Gehring GmbH& Co. KG, Durum abrasion protection GmbH

Ford research centre Aachen GmbH

RWTH Aachen University

Robert Bosch GmbH, MAN Utility vehicles corpo-ration, MicroGaN GmbH, Fraunhofer Institute forCeramic Technologies and Sintered Materials(IKTS)

Funded projects within the lead innovation project NanoMobil

35

Co-operative project

Nano particle-based refinement andfunctionalisation of textile surfaces for theimprovement of the ambient climate andhygiene in automobiles

Improvement of performance in hydraulicdisplacement units by nanocomposites

Development of stream hardening water-basednanocomposite paints for scratch-resistant coat-ings on 3D vehicle parts

Nano paint part-project: Development ofcustomised acrylate polymers and oligomers;characterisation of nanoparticle-filled dispersionsand layers

Enhancement of active and passive safety ofvehicles through novel multifunctional nanocoatings – NanoSafe

Lightweight construction with thermoplasticnanocomposites (LB-Nanos)

Synthesis, cleaning and functionalisation ofMulti-walled Carbon Nanotubes for use inthermoplastic nanocomposites

Nano-MMC: Ultra light weight on basis ofcompacted aluminium alloys with a high contentof Mg2Si and nanoparticle strengthening

PM alumina high-performance materials

Companies and institutions in charge of project

implementation

NANO-X GmbH, Johann Borgers GmbH & Co. KG,Isringhausen GmbH & Co. KG, German Institute

for Textile and Fibre Research Denkendorf (DITF),NANOCRAFT

Bosch Rexroth corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH,ZF steering systems GmbH, FUCHS Europelubricants GmbH, CemeCon corporation, RWTHAachen University

German Amphibolin Plants of the Robert Murjahnfoundation & Co. KG, Alberdingk Boley GmbH

Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Micro-integration (IZM)

BMW corporation, DaimlerChrysler corporation,Siemens corporation, Sachtleben ChemistryGmbH, Degussa corporation, Pilkington Auto-motive Germany GmbH, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co,University of Hannover, Fraunhofer Institute forSilicate Reaearch (ISC), Fraunhofer Institute forLayer and Surface Technology (IST), Genthe-X-Coatings GmbH, NANO-X GmbH, HermsdorfInstitute for Technical Ceramics Inc., FHR plantengineering GmbH

DaimlerChrysler corporation, Leibniz institutefor polymer research Dresden Inc., GE GlobalResearch Center, Süd-Chemie corporation

Leibniz institute for Solids and Materials Researchin Dresden

PEAK materials GmbH, EADS Germany GmbH,University of Bremen, MAHLE GmbH, FoundationInstitute for Materials Science (IWT)

Powder Light Metals GmbH, Ford Research CenterAachen GmbH, BBS Automotive Technologycorporation

Information: http://oas2.ip.kp.dlr.de/foekat/foekat/foekat

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In 2005 the Ministry of Economics, Transport, Urbanand Regional Development started the AktionslinieHessen-Nanotech series of publications. With theseries economic and technological activities in thestate of Hesse in the fields of nanotechnologies andmaterial-based technologies are being pooled andcoordinated. The aim of the series is to representcompetencies in Hesse in the areas of nanotech-nologies and adjacent technologies, such as mate-rial and surface technologies, microsystem tech-nologies and optical technologies both nationallyand internationally. The international competetive-ness and innovative power of science and economyin Hesse is to be strengthened by technological andlocational marketing as well as through the fundingof networks. The Aktionslinie Hessen-Nanotechseries of publications especially supports the crosslinking between technology suppliers and users.The strongly developed application fields of auto-motive, chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology andmedical technology, environment and energy aswell as information and communication technolo-gies rank prominently in the ministry’s series of pub-lications. Hessen-nanotech works together withNanoNetworkHesse at the interfaces to the nano-sciences. The organisation in charge of the projectsof the series of publications by the Hessian ministryis HA Hessen Agentur located in the state of Hesse.

NanoNetworkHesse (NNH) was established by thefive universities and five technical colleges in March2004 with the assistance of the Hesse state govern-ment to start close innovation-oriented co-opera-tion in the field of nano science based on a co-oper-ation agreement. The NNH initiative is aimed atpooling existing competencies at Hesse’s universi-ties, initiating co-operation and developing Hesseas a location for the nanotechnology industry.NanoNetworkHesse is co-ordinated by the Univer-sity of Kassel. Scientists from the fields of physics,chemistry, biology, pharmacy, medicine, materialscience and various other branches of engineeringand even the humanities, work at Hesse’s universi-ties in the area of nanotechnologies. This interac-tion of classical disciplines is considerably strength-ening the innovation potential of this branch ofscience and offers excellent starting conditions forco-operation in Hesse. The technologies currentlyavailable at the state universities cover a widerange, going from nanoscaled and nanostructuredmaterials, nano systems technologies via nanomedicine, nano material chemistry, and nanobiotechnology to nano analytics. Pursuing researchand development tasks in these fields with theco-operation of scientists, developers and usersand pooling the efforts of those involved, resourcesand activities, not only helps the participants in thenetwork to tap additional resources, but also com-bines science with its practical application morethan before, thus contributing to a faster conversionof nanotechnological knowledge into products,production processes and services.

CONTACTwww.hessen-nanotech.de

a Ministry of Economics, Transport, Urban andRegional Development in HesseSebastian HummelKaiser-Friedrich-Ring 75D-65185 Wiesbaden, GermanyPhone +49 (0)611 815 -2471Fax +49 (0)611 815 -492471sebastian.hummel@hmwvl.hessen.dewww.wirtschaft.hessen.de

a HA Hessen Agentur GmbHAlexander Bracht(Project manager Hessen-Nanotech)Markus LämmerAbraham-Lincoln-Strasse 38–42D-65189 Wiesbaden, GermanyPhone +49 (0)611 774-8614, - 8664Fax +49 (0)611 774-8620alexander.bracht@hessen-agentur.dewww.hessen-agentur.de

CONTACTwww.nanonetzwerkhessen.de

a Dr. Beatrix Kohnke (head of branch office)Christoph Schmidt (project manager)Mönchebergstrasse 19D-34109 Kassel, GermanyPhone +49 (0)561 804-2219, -2018Fax +49 (0)561 804-2226kai.ludolph@nanonetzwerkhessen.de

Regional activities and networks

37

Since 2001, the universities and leading trade asso-ciations in the state of Hesse have joined in theTechnologyTransferNetwork (TTN) to link possibili-ties that are being offered to support the transfer ofknowledge and technology and enable medium-sized enterprises to access the scientific and tech-nological potential of the universities and researchfacilities. In order to achieve this goal in the field ofnanotechnologies, the TTN works together with itsAktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech network partners.Typical examples of co-operative work are companysurveys and technology-oriented presentations thatare jointly undertaken. At the IHK–Innovationsber-atung Hessen in Darmstadt, Giessen, Fulda, Kasseland Offenbach regional advice centres for technol-ogy transfer were set up. Their purpose is to activelyapproach the companies and provide assistancewith access to application-oriented know-how ofthe universities. Concomitantly, a common platformis provided at www.ttn-hessen.de for the marketingof co-operation offers by the universities. Under theroof of TTN-Hessen, the universities in Hesse haveunited in the joint patent exploitation action groupHIPO, which supports innovators in applications forpatent rights and patent explotations agreementsalso in the field of nanotechnologies. The TTN-Hes-sen is supported and co-financed by the HessianMinistry of Economics and Science, the HA HessenAgentur GmbH (branch office), the Consortium ofHessian CCIs and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Since the beginning of the 80’s, the Chambers ofCommerce and Industry of Hesse have been offer-ing a special, free-of-charge service to supportcompanies in their innovation effort: the IHK-Inno-vationsberatung Hessen (innovation consulting).At a time when technology and market changes callfor increasingly shorter innovation cycles, the com-petence centre offers its practical and company-related support especially to small and medium-sized companies. The IHK-Innovationsberatung is aneutral innovation agent and actively supports theinterlinking and clustering of technology-orientedcompanies and research. Besides concrete innova-tion aids, such as individual consulting and publica-tions, the CCIs in Hesse encourage the intenseexchange between representatives from the eco-nomic, scientific and political communities by tech-nology- and branch-oriented events. Since 2004, aspecial focus has been on nanotechnology and itspotential for the economy. So a series of events hasbeen started together with the regional advice cen-tres of TTN-Hessen and the Ministry of Economicsthat highlight the use and application possibilitiesof nanotechnologies in different branches. The top-ics are for example “Nanotechnologies in tomor-row’s automobiles”, “Nanotechnologies in medicaltechnology”, “Nano-electronics” and “Nano surfacetechnologies”.

CONTACTwww.ttn-hessen.de

a HA Hessen Agentur GmbHDr. Gerrit Stratmann (project coordination)Abraham-Lincoln-Strasse 38–42D-65189 Wiesbaden, GermanyPhone +49 (0)611 774-8691Fax +49 (0)611 774-8620gerrit.stratmann@hessen-agentur.dewww.hessen-agentur.de

CONTACTwww.itb-hessen.de

a IHK-Innovationsberatung HessenDetlev OsterlohBörsenplatz 4D-60313 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyPhone +49 (0)69 2197-1219Fax +49 (0)69 2197-1484d.osterloh@frankfurt-main.ihk.de

a Automotive-Cluster Rhein-Main-Neckar:Martin ProbaChamber of Industry and Commerce DarmstadtPhone +49 (0)6151 871-234Fax +49 (0)6151 871-100234proba@darmstadt.ihk.dewww.automotive-cluster.org

a Automotive Cluster Northern HesseConsortia, AG MobilBettina ArdeltRKW Hessen GmbHDüsseldorfer Strasse 40D-65760 Eschborn, GermanyPhone +49 (0)6196 9702-21Fax +49 (0)6196 9702-99s.gutzeit@rkw-hessen.dewww.rkw-hessen.de

a Transnational Clustering in theAutomotive Sector (TCAS)(EU project)Dr. Gerrit Stratmann, Project coordinatorHA Hessen Agentur GmbHAbraham-Lincoln-Strasse 38–42D-65189 Wiesbaden, GermanyPhone +49 (0)611 774 -8691Fax +49 (0)611 774 -8620gerrit.stratmann@hessen-agentur.dewww.hessen-agentur.de

a Materials Valley e.V.Dr. Wulf Brämer, executive managerc/o Heraeus Holding GmbHHeraeusstrasse 12–14, D-63450 Hanau, GermanyPhone +49 (0)6181 355118wulf.braemer@heraeus.comwww.materials-valley-rheinmain.de

a MaterialforschungsverbundRhein-Main (MatFoRM)Dr. Roland PlatzMagdalenenstraße 4D-64289 Darmstadt, GermanyPhone +49 (0)6151 16-3362platz@matform.tu-darmstadt.dewww.matform.tu-darmstadt.de

a Mikrosystemtechnik-NetzwerkRhein-Main e.V.Prof. Dr. Helmut F. Schlaak, CEORheinstrasse 89D-64295 Darmstadt, GermanyPhone +49 (0)6151 871-284Fax +49 (0)6151 871-100284www.mst-rhein-main.de

a Anwendungszentrum Metallformgebung (AWZ)Chair for metal formingProf. Dr.-Ing. habil. Kurt SteinhoffKurt-Wolters-Strasse 3D-34125 Kassel, GermanyPhone +49 (0)561 804-2705Fax +49 (0)561 804-2706umformtechnik@uni-kassel.de

38

Further Networks

a MoWiN.net e. V. – MobilitätswirtschaftNordhessen NetzwerkKarsten BuschStändeplatz 13D-34117 Kassel, GermanyPhone +49 (0)561 97062-19Fax +49 (0)561 97062-22info@mowin.net, www.mowin.net

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5 Statements by important associations

Association of German AutomobileManufacturers (VDA)

The Association of German Automobile Manufac-turers (VDA) promotes nationally and internation-ally the interests of the whole German automotiveindustry in all fields of transport economics, relat-ing, for example, to economic, traffic and environ-mental policy, technical legislation, standardisationand quality assurance. Additionally, the VDA organ-ises the annual international automotive exhibition(IAA) under its own control. In odd years, the pas-senger car IAA is on the programme and in evenyears, it is the utility car exhibition.

The VDA is in favour of consistently strengtheningindividual mobility. The VDA has more than 570affiliated firms. Both automotive manufacturers andsuppliers are organised under the umbrella of theVDA. They account for an annual revenue of 235 bil-lion Euro and 767,000 employees. The VDA head-quarters is located in Frankfurt am Main. Moreover,the VDA maintains offices in Berlin and Brussels.The president, the three VDA executives and mostof the 80 employees are located in the Frankfurt amMain branch.

Statement by the VDA

The German automotive industry owes its global leadership to its

recognised innovative power. Materials act as the driving force for

innovative industrial product development. They are a characteristic

feature of the technological capacity of the automotive industry and

enhance the companies’ competitiveness. Nanotechnologies are

core competencies in the automotive industry that help maintain a

competitive edge. The automotive industry is the motor of applica-

tion-oriented nano science. Current developments are being

analysed with regard to their chance for further development. The

implementation of new and attractive functions in automobiles has

only been made possible by nanotechnologies. Product differentia-

tion under the conditions of the international competition and

customers’ benefit regarding their safety, environment and comfort

figure prominently. Nanotechnologies have long had a firm position

in the automotive industry. Electrochromic mirrors avoid the blind-

ing of the driver and, beyond that, antiglare instruments and heat-

absorbing panes are examples of nanomaterial applications. With

the help of nanoparticles, tyres adhere better on different road sur-

faces/layers and in different conditions. With the help of nanoparti-

cles, the car of the future can provide visions of a more intelligent

response to environmental stimuli and the driving behaviour. Panes

and mirrors will adapt to outdoor light conditions and multiple sen-

sors will anticipate the state of driving in changing weather condi-

tions or the risk of collision. Aesthetic-functional properties that

have been developed using nanotechnologies will also become

important: the vehicle will be given an individually adaptable outer

appearance through switchable colour change of paints and modifi-

cations in lightweight constructions. For the car’s body, chassis and

engine, lightweight construction composites with new properties

will be used that are lighter and more crash-resistant. Especially for

drive units and components, nanotechnologies offer a vast optimi-

sation potential regarding further consumption and emission

reduction. Nanoparticles are the basis for the production of catalytic

converters already. As the abrasion of components influences the

functional properties of the vehicle, such as lifetime, consumption,

emission and noise, new potentials are being opened up by nan-

otribology. The abrasion resistance can be increased through opti-

mal nanotechnological manipulation. In the reduction of consump-

tion and emissions in view of a sustainable world-wide mobility, not

only the optimisation of the combustion engine, but especially the

further development of alternative drive concepts is taking centre

stage. The future of drive concepts belongs to the fuel cell as the true

‘zero-emission’ vehicle. Nanotechnological products are being used

to optimise the diffusion membranes of fuel cells. Cell electrodes

composed of carbon nano tubes can achieve a higher energy den-

sity. Certainly, the application of new technologies always involves

new risks. These risks are to be analysed in the field of basic research

and have to be answered if the respective projects are to pass from

principle suitability to the stage of project suitability. Partnerships

with research centres worldwide are of the greatest importance

here. The automotive industry will enable the use of new materials

in co-operative application-oriented research with materials produc-

ers, research institutes and suppliers. Based on new requirements

in vehicle construction, innovative suppliers are taking over impor-

tant research tasks in the field of nanotechnologies. The application

of nanotechnologies enhances and increases the profitability and

competitiveness of the automotive industry in Germany. The poli-

tical and scientific communities together with the automotive

industry are called upon to ensure a breakthrough for nanotech-

nologies.

a Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA)Westendstrasse 61, D-60325 Frankfurt, GermanyPhone +49 (0)69 97507-299Fax +49 (0)69 97507-320

www.vda.de

a Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V.Kompetenzfeld NanotechnikPostfach 10 11 39D-40002 Düsseldorf, GermanyPhone +49 (0)211 6214-254Fax +49 (0)211 6214-160kfnt@vdi.de

www.vdi.de

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Field of competence ‘Nanotechnologies’of the Association of German Engineers(VDI)

The VDI, with its approximately 125,000 individualmembers, is Germany’s biggest technico-economicassociation and an international leader in its field. Itgenerates its enormous knowledge in the differentdomains and cross-sectoral areas as well as thetraining of its engineers by drawing on the networksof its members and co-operation partners and oncollaboration with Germany’s economic and scien-tific communities. As one of the most importanttechnico-scientific associations in Europe and therecognised technology spokesman in Germany, theVDI considers it its duty to further and participateactively in technology development for the benefitof science, industry and society. In this effort, nan-otechnologies are playing a prominent role as aninnovation driver for the beginning millennium.

The main emphasis of the VDI’s field of competence‘Nanotechnology’ is the focused transfer of knowl-edge by establishing highly qualified networks andexpert forums, formulating VDI guidelines andintensive public relations. In this way, the exchangeof knowledge and the discussions of ideas andopinions is carried out intersectorally to recognisesynergy potentials early, exploiting them for thebenefit of all.

Statement by the nanotechnology field ofcompetence of the Association of GermanEngineers (VDI)

The automotive industry plays an outstanding rolein the German industry. In 2004, the annual profit ofthe German automotive industry amounted toapproximately 226 billion Euro. Every seventhworkplace in Germany is dependent on the auto-motive industry. Furthermore, more than one thirdof the cumulative industrial R&D budget in Ger-many is funded by the automotive industry.

On the other hand, in the view of leading experts,the nanotechnologies are becoming this century’smajor key technologies. As early as today, manystudies estimate that the current world market vol-ume runs up to approximately 100 billion Euro, anamount that will be rising dramatically in the yearsto come. Therefore, it is obvious that the nanotech-nologies, which are being used today in certainareas of automotive engineering, will becomemore important in the industry. The driving forcebehind the increasing process of innovation in theautomotive industry is the demand of customersand society for advances in the field of economyand ecology as well as for higher comfort andsafety. Nanotechnologies contribute substantiallyto all these requirements.

Today’s applications of nanotechnologies in theautomotive industry are to be found e.g. in the useof nanoscaled sooty particles in car tyres, which areinstrumental in such excellent properties as a lowrolling resistance, longevity and solid grip both indry and wet conditions. Nanoparticle-enhancedvarnishes or ultra-thin anti-reflex and anti-glare lay-ers are further examples. Super hard amorphouscarbon layers are increasingly being used due totheir high hardness and low-friction coefficient.

Nanoparticle-enhanced materials, possibly evenon the basis of carbon nano tubes or easy-to-cleansurfaces, seem to be practicable in the mediumterm. In the distant future, even application of nan-otechnologies, such as self-repairing paint andswitchable colours will be imaginable. Given theeconomic importance of the automotive industryfor Germany, the application of nanotechnologiesin this field is of major importance. These technolo-gies should be developed systematically for thesake of the optimal strengthening of Germany as alocation for research and economic development.

a Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- undElektronikindustrie e.V.Fachverband Bauelemente der ElektronikStresemannallee 19D-60596 Frankfurt, GermanyPhone +49 (0)69 6302-276Fax +49 (0)69 6302-407

www.zvei.de

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Central Association of the Electricaland Electronic Industry (ZVEI)

The ZVEI represents the economic, technologicaland ecological interests of the German electricalindustry on a national, European and internationallevel. The association provides specific informationabout the economic, technical and legal frameworkof the electrical industry in Germany.

The ZVEI promotes the development and use of newtechnologies through research, technology, environ-mental, educational and scientific policies. It sup-ports market-oriented international standardisationactivities.

The activity of the association is based on theexchange of experiences and ideas between itsmembers about the current technical, economic,legal and social topics in the field of the electronicsindustry assisting them in working out common plat-forms.

The close contacts between the ZVEI and the politi-cal community and public administration and theexchange of ideas within the association results in abroad range of information about developments thatare relevant for the market and for competition andwhich relates specifically to needs of the electronicsindustry. The member associations use this edge inknow-how and knowledge to improve their interna-tional competitive standing.

Statement by ZVEI on nanotechnologyapplication in automobiles

Market success in vehicle construction is driven byinnovations in the world of automotive. However,not only conspicuous innovations e.g. in the fieldof multimedia applications are instrumental insuch developments, but also, and especially,safety concerns will figure most prominently infuture. The main objective is to make driving eas-ier, safer and more comfortable. That is an objec-tive that cannot be realised in modern vehicleswithout electronics any more.

And the share of electronics in cars is still rising asmore and more applications can achieve theirfunctionality through electronics only. This is agreat challenge in terms of technically co-ordinat-ing individual developments in the shrinkingspace of the vehicle. But especially a challenge interms of every single electronic component thatneeds to be smaller and still more efficient. Pre-cisely at this point nanotechnologies comes in, sothat these requirements regarding the individualelectronic components and their application in aminute space as well as their highest functionalsafety can be achieved.

Fortunately, Germany has become a technologyleader in the field of nanoelectronics. Happily, thisposition can be expanded even further. The Ger-man economy profits in the field of nanoelectron-ics from the high intellectual share in economicvalue creation. Hence the often-cited high produc-tion costs only play a minor role in the Germaneconomy as far as nanoelectronics is concerned.The ZVEI appreciates this very positive situation inthe field of nanoelectronics and will make an all-out effort to advance the status of the Germaneconomy in this field as much as possible.

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Faraday Advance – The Transport Node ofthe Materials Knowledge Transfer Network

The Materials Knowledge Transfer Network (Materi-als KTN) is one of 23 networks funded by the UKTechnology Strategy Board, an arms length Govern-ment body, to:

a provide UK businesses with the opportunity tomeet and network with individuals and organi-sations

a encourage knowledge transfer between thesupply and demand sides of technology-enabled markets

a encourage the flow of people, knowledge andexperience to and from industry and the sciencebase

a attract and optimise the use of fundingresources

a provide a forum for a coherent industry voice toinform government policy making

a provide advice on the various support mecha-nisms available to the research base and business

a provide advice to government and public bodies

Faraday Advance is the Transport Node of the Mate-rials KTN providing a continuum of services to theautomotive, aerospace, rail and marine sectors tosupport the exploitation of ideas and innovation,including fundamental university-based investiga-tions, short-term problem solving, multi-disciplinarydevelopment programmes, project managementservices, and technical consultancy. Our activitiesinclude:

a Large-scale multi-partner collaborative projects

a Consortium and project building

a Project management

a Technology focused networks

a Consultancy

a Briefing packs, state of the art reviews

a Conferences and meetings

a Overseas missions

Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology

Against a background of concerns about the environ-ment, resource and energy pressures and increasingglobal competitiveness, new strategies for materialsinnovation and application are increasingly vital tosustain advanced manufacturing and to foster thedevelopment of a range of activities around new,sustainable, high performance materials.

Europe’s large transport industries demand lighter,safer vehicles with a smaller environmental foot-print both in their manufacture and in their use.

New materials are required for sustainable trans-port and are therefore critical to achieving theambitious objectives being set by national andinternational regulatory authorities.

The UK Technology Strategy Board has identified fivepriorities for action relevant to transport materials:

a Materials for energy production and distribution

a Materials in the development of sensors anddiagnostic technologies

a Structural materials, in particular composite andhigh temperature resistant lightweighting alloy-ing technologies

a Multifunctional materials, including damagetolerant, self-diagnostic, self-healing materials

a Nanomaterials, in particular developments thatwill enhance business capability in working atthe nanoscale

Nanotechnology will be critical to implementingmany innovative ideas in the transport sector notonly in primary structures and drive systems but alsoin enhanced passenger and driver experiences.

a Faraday AdvanceDr. Colin JohnstonBegbroke Science ParkSandy Lane, YarntonOxford OX5 1PF

info@faraday-advance.net

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ACstyria Autocluster GmbH

The ACstyria Autocluster in Austria is the heart of apulsating network of the international automobileand automotive supply industry in Styria.

Since the day it was founded in 1995, the main focusof the Autocluster has been on the interlinkage ofeconomy, industry, research and the public authori-ties as well as identifying and supporting fields ofstrength and synergies. In brief, ACstyria is poolingforces that exist within the value added chain of theautomotive industry. In the field of technology theStyrian Autocluster is committed to enhancing itsinnovative power and international competitiveness– indeed, with great success: Today, there are 180partner companies involved in ACstyria, employing aworkforce of 46,000 and generating a turnover of 11billion Euros last year. The Styrian model of the Auto-cluster has won international recognition and manyfollowers because they see that behind their prof-itable cluster model there are people with far-reach-ing visions.

Especially today, in view of an increasingly unpre-dictable economic development, the significanceof research&development is higher than it has everbeen. Alternatives to pure mass production have tobe found and new ground has to be broken. This isone direction that ACstyria is also supporting in thearea of nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is a key technology of the 21st cen-tury and is considered as a seminal cross-sectionaltechnology by the Styrian Autocluster. Completelynew functionalities are developing given the nano-scaled structures, which allow for versatile applica-tions in automobile and tool production. Weightreduction, enhanced energy conversion and drivingdynamics, emission reduction and increasing recy-clability go hand in hand with the social needs forecology, safety and comfort.

Nanotechnological developments are being usedtoday to enhance the product “automobile”. Fieldsof application range from material for tyres, non-fogging rear view mirrors and anti-glare coatingsfor instrument panels to car paints with diversecolour effects. This versatile technology will deci-sively influence tomorrow’s evolution of the auto-mobile. New developments in nanotechnology willbe the optimisation of fuel combustion, self-healingpaints or functional car-glazing. A large potentialwill have nanoparticles for ceramic engine parts,nanofibres in polymers and nanostructured catal-yser surfaces.

For the future, nanotechnology in automobile man-ufacturing will belong to those key competenciesthat are capable of opening up new possibilitiesand thus be essential for maintaining competitive-ness. Many developments relate to the areas ofelectronics, sensor systems, engine and drivingtrain. By using nanotechnology, the reactive surfacewithin fuel cells is enlarged in order to increase theirefficiency, to mention just one example. Anotherexample is the minimisation of the emission of res-pirable dust and thus environmental pollution as aresult of the application of nanoporous filtrationsystems.

This potential was seen by the Styrian Autoclusteralready some time ago – numerous partners of thenetwork are actively researching in this area. AVL List,the Hydrogen Center Austria, Joanneum Research orthe Materials Center Leoben are just a few examples.

a ACstyria Autocluster GmbHParkring 1A-8074 Grambach, AustriaPhone +43 (0)316 409696-0Fax +43 (0)316 409696-33

office@acstyria.comwww.acstyria.com

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6.1 Glossary

a Colour centres

A colour centre is a lattice deformation in a crys-talline solid with a vacant negative ion position(gap) and one or more electron(s) occupying thesepositions. Such effects absorb light and makecolourless crystals appear coloured.

a Cylinder tracks

Component of the combustion engine where thepower is generated. There is a shaft in the cylinderwhich moves up and down as a result of the com-bustion of the fuel air mixture. The walls within thecylinder are termed cylinder tracks.

a Electro-rheology

Electro-rheology is the change in the fluidity/rheol-ogy of a material due to the effect of an externalelectric field.

a Grain size

The term grain size describes the size of particles. Ifparticles were perfectly spheric, the sphere diame-ter could be used as the measure for the grain/par-ticle size. In practice, the shapes of the particles dif-fer. The equivalency diameter is used to describetheir size, that is, measured values are related tospheres of equal size.

a Hydrophobic

This term from chemistry relates to substances thatdo not mix with water, mostly rolling it off the sur-face. A surface with a contact angle above 90° inrelation to water is classified as super hydrophobic.Water rolls off these surfaces very easily. Hydropho-bic surfaces generally consist of hydrophobic sub-stances or are covered by them. An example is thecoating of surfaces using PTFE, commonly known asteflon. The surface of lotus leaves and flowers is anextreme example of a hydrophobic surface.

a Lotus effect

The lotus effect is based on a combination of ahydrophobic surface (natural wax) with a specialsurface structure composed of wax scales. A waterdrop rolls off significantly better than it would froma smooth surface made of the same wax, simplypicking up the adherent dust. This effect is increas-ingly being transferred into technology and used in‘easy-to-clean surfaces’ for instance.

a Nanostructured materials

Nanocomposites that are produced through proce-dures and processes of mainly chemical nanotech-nologies. Here, the main focus is on the productionand pinpoint use of nanoscaled structures for thesake of the fabrication and improvement of materialfeatures.

a OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

An Original Equipment Manufacturer is a producerof finished components or products, who producesthem in his own factory without distributing themfurther. In many branches the opposite meaning ofthe term has established itself. In the automotiveindustry for instance, the OEM designates a com-pany that is not the original manufacturer of theproduct, but processes a finished product furtherand distributes it in their own name on the market.

a Oleophobic

Fat-repellant; Oils and fats cannot adhere to or pen-etrate oleophobic surfaces. They can easily beremoved. Compare “hydrophobic”.

6 Appendix

45

a PET

Polyethyleeterephtalate (abbreviation PET) is a ther-moplast belonging to the polyester family.

a Piezoelectric effect

Piezoelements produce electricity if stretched orbulged, which also applies to the spark in “elec-tronic” lighters. Reversely, the piezoelectric crystalcan be deformed very precisely to a fraction of anatom diameter by applying an electric voltage to it.

a Remanence

The remaining magnetisation/residual flux densityof a ferromagnetic body when the external mag-netic field is switched off. Materials with high rema-nence are classified as ‘magnetic’.

a Silica

The oxygen acids of silicon are referred to as silica.In German all possible types of synthetic silicondioxide are commonly referred to as silica.

a Stoichiometric

Stoichiometric means: reacting according to quan-titative laws.

a Van der Waals bonding

A Van der Waals bonding is the attraction betweendipole atoms and the interaction between unpo-larised molecules. The reason for the attractionbetween unpolarised molecules is a momentaryasymmetric electron distribution. A temporarydipole is established that polarises the neighbour-ing molecules and thereby induces further dipolesthat cause electrostatic attraction. The Van derWaals bonding rises as the size of the moleculesincreases. However, this bonding is very weak com-pared to other bonding types such as ion and atombonding.

a X-by-Wire

The X can be representative of any function in thecar: for gas-by-wire with the function of a carburettor,the injection, exhaust feedback, or for power-by-wirewith the functions of the starter, alternator, ignition,etc. or for shift-by-wire with the control functions forgears, all-wheel drive and coupling or in drive-by-wire for information feedback about the unevennessof the road. The steering motion is transformed intoan electrical signal that is available as a control signalto the control unit for the steering.

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6.2 Internet links on nanotechnologies

a Hessen-Nanotech series of publicationswww.hessen-nanotech.de

a Platform for nanotechnologies in Hessewww.nanotech-hessen.de

a HA Hessen Agentur GmbHwww.hessen-agentur.de

a Funding initiative NanoHEwww.nanoHE.de

a TTN-Hessen TechnologyTransferNetwork Hessewww.ttn-hessen.de

a Portal of the German Federal Ministry of Educa-tion and Research (BMBF) and of the Associationof German Engineers (VDI) on nanotechnologieswww.techportal.de

a Competence Networks in Nanotechnologies inGermanywww.kompetenznetze.de/navi/de/Innovationsfelder/nanotechnologie.html

a Information server (Cordis) of the EU forpriorities concerning nanotechnologies underthe 6th funding programmewww.cordis.lu/nanotechnology/

a Internet portal “Nanoforum” of the EU fornanotechnology activities within the EUwww.nanoforum.de

a „NanoNetworkHesse“www.nanonetzwerkhessen.de

a Lead innovation NanoMobilwww.nanomobil.de

a No traffic jam in Hesse in 2015www.staufreieshessen2015.de

a Internet platform for the responsible useof nano materials

As a service for the companies operating inHesse, the hessen-nanotech series of publica-tions by the Ministry of Economics, Transport,Urban and Regional Development in Hessehas provided an information platform onthe internet for the responsible use of nanomaterials. It is intended to help companies, butalso scientists as well as users and the inter-ested public, to get a quick and good overviewof current research activities and discussionsabout potential risks of nanotechnologies.www.nanotech-hessen.de/infoplattform-nanorisiken

6.3 Bibliography

a Bauer, C. und Dimitrova, G., „Automobilstand-ort Hessen – Branchenprofil Automobilindustrie– Automobilzulieferer in Hessen: Ergebnisseeiner Unternehmensbefragung“, HA ReportNr. 700, Wiesbaden, 2006.

a Bauer, H.-P., „Innovative Antriebskonzepte undAktorik in der Fahrzeugtechnik; Elektro-fahrzeuge und Kfz-Elektronik, Folien zur Vor-lesung, Darmstadt, 2005.

a Bayer AG, „Die kleinsten Flakons der Welt“, in:Research, Ausgabe 15, 2005.

a Böcker, J, „Antriebe für umweltfreundlicheFahrzeuge“, Universität Paderbron, Skript zurVorlesung, 2006.

a German Federal Ministry of Education andResearch (BMBF), „Standortbestimmung Nano-technologie in Deutschland“, BMBF ReferatÖffentlichkeitsarbeit, Juni 2002.

a German Federal Ministry of Education andResearch (BMBF), „Bundesbericht Forschung2004“, 2004.

a German Federal Ministry of Education andResearch (BMBF), „Nanotechnologie erobertMärkte“, BMBF Referat Publikationen,Bonn/Berlin 2004.

a German Federal Ministry of Environment,Conservation and Reactor Safety (BMU),„Synthetische Nanopartikel – Entwicklungs-chancen im Dialog“, Bonn, 25.10.2005.

a Fischle, H., „Superkondensatoren, made byWIMA“, Sonderdruck, 2005.

a Frost & Sullivan, „Nanotechnology Implemen-tation in the Automotive Sector: Big Opportuni-ties in the Small”, 2004.www.frost.com/prod/servlet/market-insight-top.pag?docid=24687973

a Galvanotechnik 11/2005, Eugen G. LeuzeVerlag, 2679-2680, 2005.

a Grobe, A., „NanoKommunikation“,Hrsg.: HA Hessen Agentur, Wiesbaden, 2006.

a Haas, K.H. und Heubach, D., „NanoProduktion– Innovationspotenziale für hessischeUnternehmen im Produktionsprozess“,Hrsg.: HA Hessen Agentur, Wiesbaden, 2006.

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a Henkel, Firmenbroschüre,„heute für morgen 2005 – Forschung undEntwicklung bei Henkel“, 2005.

a Hessen Agentur (HA), „Nanotechnologie inHessen – Eine Bestandsaufnahme auf Basis vonUnternehmensbefragungen“, HA Report Nr.680, Wiesbaden, 2005.

a Heubach, D. et al., „Einsatz von Nanotechnolo-gie in der hessischen Umwelttechnologie –Innovationspotenziale für Unternehmen“, Hrsg:HA Hessen Agentur, Wiesbaden, 2005.

a Klockmann, O., Sprit sparend und Umweltscho-nend“, elements, degussa Science Newsletter,Nr. 16, 4-11, 2006.

a Langner, U., Vortrag „Nanotechnologie in derGalvanotechnik – Praxisbeispiel für den Einsatzbei korrosionsschützenden Beschichtungen“,gehalten auf dem 5. hessischen Automobil-Zuliefertag am 19.09.2006 in Darmstadt.

a Luther, W. et al., „Nanotechnologie alswirtschaftlicher Wachstumsmarkt“, VDI-TZ,Düsseldorf, 2004.

a Noack, A., „Nanotechnologien für die optischeIndustrie. Grundlage für zukünftige Innovatio-nen in Hessen“, Hrsg.: HA Hessen Agentur,Wiesbaden, 2006.

a Oberholz, A., „Innovation ist der Schlüssel!“,Statement anlässlich der Veranstaltung„Degussa Meets Science“ am 13./14. Dezember2001 in Düsseldorf von Dr. Alfred Oberholz,Mitglied des Vorstands der Degussa AG.

a Oberholz, A., „Mit Zwergentechnologie zumAutomobil der Zukunft“, Hessen-NanotechNEWS, Nr. 4, 6-12, 2006.

a Postinett, A., „Festplatte im Auto speichert dieDaten für die Navigation“, Handelsblatt,15.06.2005.

a Rudolph, S., „Neue Alternativen im Automobil-bau: Zunehmende Konkurrenz für den Werk-stoff Stahl“, DOWJONES Stahlmonitor, Nr. 4, 18.April 2006.

a Scheu, M., “Nanotechnology Patents at theEPO”, International Symposium on Nanotech-nology and Patenting, The Hague, 9. - 10.November 2004.

a Steingrobe, B., Vortrag „Nanotechnology in theAutomobile Sector“, gehalten auf der Nano-Equity Europe 2006 am 10.07.2006 in Frankfurtam Main.

a SusTech, Kleben mit Nano-Antennen, 2003.

a TAB – Agency for Technological Impact Assess-ment at the German Bundestag, TA-ProjektNanotechnologie, Endbericht, ArbeitsberichtNr. 92, 2003.

a Taneike, M. et al., “Creep-strengthening of steelat high temperatures using nano-sized carboni-tride dispersions”, in: Nature, Volume 424,Number 6946, 294-296, 2003.

a Volkswagen AG, Nanotechnologie im Automo-bilbau, 2003.

a Wagner, V. und Zweck, A., „NanoMedizin –Innovationspotenziale in Hessen für Medizin-technik und Pharmazeutische Industrie“,Hrsg.: HA Hessen Agentur, Wiesbaden, 2006.

a Warzelhan, V.: Vortrag „BASF – Innovationpipeline automotive“, gehalten auf der Nano-Equity Europe 2006 am 10.07.2006 in Frankfurtam Main.

Brochure Seriesof the Aktionslinie Hessen-Nanotech of theHessian Ministry of Economy, Transport, Urbanand Regional Development

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Volume 2 NanomedizinInnovationspotenziale in Hessenfür Medizintechnik undPharmazeutische Industrie

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