The automotive industry is constantly researching a variety of alternatives to fuel engines and transportation components. With high gas prices and low automobile sales, many manufacturers have turned to flex fuel engines to keep their vehicles in tune with the environment.
Automobiles are only one aspect of transportation that people use on a daily basis. We have all types of vehicles that are important to keep the world running. These vehicles need ceramics in transportation because it makes life just a little easier.
Ceramics in Transportation through Automobiles
Since 1920 ceramics have been used in automobiles in glass windows and spark plugs. They have been used to insulate the spark plugs and the newer models of cars have ceramic parts inside the catalytic converter. These parts get better fuel mileage and reduce exhaust emissions. This is a good idea since most of us have to take our cars to be tested every year for these exhaust emissions before we can get our license tags.
The newer models of cars and trucks also have oxygen sensors that have ceramic parts and computer controls that also help with emissions and make sure that the combustion works at optimal levels.
Just about anything you can think of that is electronic or electrical inside a car has some ceramic components. You will find them in the electrical windows and seat adjustments to allow these to move easily. In some of the heavier diesel engines you will also find ceramic parts.
According to the experts, we will find that cars of the future could contain major ceramic parts in the engine because they are wear resistant and ceramic fuel cells -- this would cut down on emissions tremendously.