Ford announces graphene introduction
Ford Motor Company has announced the use of graphene in vehicle parts.
Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel and one of the most conductive materials in the world. In collaboration with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences, Ford is using small amounts in fuel rail covers, pump covers and front engine covers to maximize its benefits.
‘The breakthrough here is not in the material, but in how we are using it,’ said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability and emerging materials. ‘We are able to use a very small amount, less than a half percent, to help us achieve significant enhancements in durability, sound resistance and weight reduction – applications that others have not focused on.’
Tests done by Ford and suppliers has shown about a 17% reduction in noise, a 20% improvement in mechanical properties and a 30% improvement in heat endurance properties, compared with that of the foam used without graphene.
‘We are excited about the performance benefits our products are able to provide to Ford and Eagle Industries,” said Philip Rose, XG Sciences’ chief executive officer. ‘Working with early adopters such as Ford Motor Company demonstrates the potential for graphene in multiple applications, and we look forward to extending our collaboration into other materials, and enabling further performance improvements.’
Graphene is expected to go into production by year end on over 10 under hood components on the Ford F-150 and Mustang and eventually, other Ford vehicles.
