CSB #5: New Nanotech Solution Cuts Engine Friction By More Than Half

In any metal on metal machine (i.e: car engines and industrial machines) energy is lost as heat to friction. While this loss can be minute (as in the case of a toaster), the losses could be huge amounts (as in cases like car engines). However, a new nanotech solution, created by Dr. Guojun Liu, could reduce the amount of energy lost to friction. This chemistry professor at Queen's university used base automobile engine oils with nanoscale polymer particles just tens of nanometers in size. When tested under simulated conditions that imitate sufrace metal contact on car engines, these particles reduced friction by more than 50%. Since metal-on-metal machinery is used widely around the world, this cutting edge friction reducing "nanolube" could save enormous amounts of energy. Due to this potential, Dr. Liu has been awarded the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers' Captain Alfred E. Hunt Memorial Award. I think that he is deserving of the award because this has the power to save massive amounts of energy. Being a lubricant, this product is cheap and simple. In a world dominated by energy, this lubricant will be of vital importance. I chose this article, because I am interested in cheap, yet practical methods to solve problems. This is a simple method, in where a lubricant could save much energy in the future. Many people try looking at complex ways to save energy (i.e: solar panel and hybrid cars). However, Dr. Liu found a simple, yet ingenious method to save energy: a lubricant. Small advancements like this, which many people can use, will be necessary in the near future as our energy-wasting ways catch up with us.


Resources:


1) Dillow, Clay. "New 'Nanolube' Could Cut Engine Friction by More Than Half." 
PopSci. N.p., 2 Mar. 2011. Web. 7 Mar. 2011. <http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/
2011-03/ new-nanolube-could-cut-engine-friction-more-half>.