Filed under: Emerging Technologies
Nano lubricant could reduce gas use
In just two years, a nano lubricant could be on the market that reduces gas use by 5 percent. That's Ali Erdemir in the picture. He's a slippery fellow. In 1991, he got the R&D 100, the "Oscar" of technology awards for, in Science Daily's words, "showing that microscopic particles of boric acid could dramatically reduce friction between automobile engine parts."
How does this impact fuel economy? He got a reduction in heat due friction from oil up to two thirds. "You're easily talking about a four or five percent reduction in fuel consumption," he says. Ali is working with manufacturers to bring his nano lube to market. It shouldn't cost too much because it's made from Boric acid, which is very common and cheap.
[Source: Science Daily]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 1:19PM (8/30/2007)
"He got a reduction in heat due friction from oil up to two thirds. "You're easily talking about a four or five percent reduction in fuel consumption," he says."
So if 2/3 of the friction accounts for 5% of the power output of the engine, that suggests that friction accounts for 7.5% of fuel use. Is that true? That seems pretty high.
Makes those electric engines with one moving part look pretty darn good, doesn't it?
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Phil L. 1:47PM (8/30/2007)
>> Makes those electric engines with one moving part look pretty darn good, doesn't it?
Well - there are usually just a few more moving parts in an EV than just the motor.
I just wish I could find an EV that can handle my nice short commute - that I can afford.
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Lascelles 2:02PM (8/30/2007)
GoodCheer, I don't find it that shocking. Friction can eat a lot of energy.
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Allen 2:45PM (8/30/2007)
Motor Silk is an engine treatment that appears to be based on the 1991 invention and refers to Dr. Erdemir's work. Does anyone have any experience with it?
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ChiaPet 8:49PM (8/30/2007)
So is this going to be the next Slick-50?
I can see it now(Slick-50 now with nano boric acid)
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