Aim
NanoDrive: Transforming Automotive Industry with Advanced Nanomaterials explores how nanomaterials improve vehicle performance, safety, efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Learn nano-enabled coatings, composites, batteries, sensors, thermal materials, manufacturing constraints, and testing basics.
Program Objectives
- Automotive Needs: lightweighting, corrosion resistance, safety, efficiency.
- Nanomaterials: graphene/CNT, nanoclays, metal oxides, nanocarbons (overview).
- Composites: polymer nanocomposites for parts and structures.
- Coatings: anti-corrosion, scratch-resistant, self-cleaning, thermal coatings.
- EV Focus: batteries, thermal management, conductive fillers (overview).
- Sensors: in-cabin and vehicle health sensing concepts.
- Manufacturing: dispersion, scale-up, cost and QC constraints.
- Capstone: propose a nano-upgrade for an automotive component.
Program Structure
Module 1: Why Nanomaterials in Automotive?
- Key drivers: efficiency, safety, durability, sustainability.
- Vehicle systems overview: body, powertrain, interior, electronics.
- Performance metrics: weight, strength, corrosion, thermal, cost.
- Technology readiness and adoption constraints.
Module 2: Advanced Nanomaterials for Vehicles
- Carbon nanomaterials: graphene, CNT, carbon black (overview).
- Nanoclays and nano-silica for polymers.
- Metal/oxide nanoparticles for coatings and catalysis (overview).
- Health and safety handling basics.
Module 3: Lightweight Nanocomposites
- Polymer nanocomposites: stiffness, toughness, fatigue concepts.
- Barrier and flame-retardant improvements (overview).
- EMI shielding and conductive plastics concepts.
- Processing: compounding, injection molding, curing.
Module 4: Nano-Coatings for Durability
- Anti-corrosion coatings and surface preparation concepts.
- Scratch, wear, and UV protection coatings.
- Hydrophobic/self-cleaning and anti-fog coatings (overview).
- Testing: salt spray, abrasion, adhesion (overview).
Module 5: EV Batteries and Energy Materials (Overview)
- Nanomaterials in electrodes and conductive networks.
- Separators and solid electrolyte concepts.
- Fast charging and cycle life drivers (overview).
- Safety concepts: thermal runaway mitigation (intro).
Module 6: Thermal Management and Heat Control
- Thermal interface materials (TIM) concepts.
- Phase change materials and nano-enhanced coolants (overview).
- Heat shielding and under-hood thermal coatings (overview).
- Thermal testing basics.
Module 7: Sensors and Smart Automotive Materials
- Nanomaterial-based strain, pressure, gas sensors (overview).
- In-cabin air quality sensing and filtration concepts.
- Structural health monitoring for components (intro).
- Data integration basics for predictive maintenance (overview).
Module 8: Manufacturing, Quality, and Sustainability
- Dispersion and agglomeration control.
- Scale-up: consistency, supply chain, cost drivers.
- Quality tests: mechanical, electrical, coating performance (overview).
- Recycling and end-of-life considerations (overview).
Final Project
- Select a vehicle component (coating, composite part, battery material, sensor).
- Deliverables: material choice + process plan + test plan + benefit/risk summary.
- Submit: NanoDrive component upgrade proposal.
Participant Eligibility
- Automotive/Mechanical Engineering, Materials, Nanotechnology students/professionals
- EV, coatings, composites, and manufacturing trainees
- Basic materials science helpful
Program Outcomes
- Explain automotive use cases for advanced nanomaterials.
- Select nanomaterials for coatings, composites, thermal and EV needs.
- Plan manufacturing and testing steps.
- Create an industry-style component upgrade proposal.
Program Deliverables
- e-LMS Access: notes, templates, case studies.
- Toolkit: material selection sheet, test checklist, proposal template.
- Assessment: certification after capstone submission.
- e-Certification and e-Marksheet: digital credentials.
Future Career Prospects
- Automotive Materials Engineer (Trainee)
- EV Materials/Testing Associate
- Coatings R&D Associate
- Nanocomposites Research Associate
Job Opportunities
- Automotive OEMs: materials, coatings, and EV technology teams.
- EV Suppliers: battery materials and thermal solutions teams.
- Coatings/Composites Suppliers: product development and QA teams.
- R&D Labs: advanced mobility materials research groups.







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