Materials & Manufacturing

Argonne is conducting research and development (R&D) in ceramic and lightweight materials, coatings and lubricants, and manufacturing processes for transportation applications. Advanced ceramics are leading candidates for high-temperature engine applications that offer improved fuel efficiency and engine performance. Lightweight structural ceramics and composites capable of withstanding high temperatures will help automakers develop advanced engines, such as gas turbines. The new structural ceramic/composite components help reduce vehicle weight, friction, and energy loss.

Nondestructive characterization (NDC) methods provide invaluable information on advanced ceramics — data required for process development and lifetime prediction. Argonne offers an active program to develop NDC techniques and methodology for advanced ceramic materials. Argonne researchers are developing and improving fabrication techniques for ceramics and composites to ensure consistently high quality.

Other R&D areas: Argonne researchers examined various lightweight materials such as aluminum for structural applications in automobiles and passenger-oriented light trucks and selected the most cost-effective ones for further analysis. They are also exploring new ways to improve thermal conductivity in truck engines through the use of nanofluids. Finally, they are seeking to improve manufacturing processes.

September 23, 2004