Nanotechnology is transforming aerospace, leading to lighter and more efficient air vehicles

The aerospace industry is one of the most important heavy industries in the world. Countless companies rely on the ability to ship products and people around the world with the speed that can only by achieved by air.

Along with this huge economic value, however, comes huge consumption, and one of the largest carbon footprints on the planet relative to the size of the market. For this reason, the major drivers in current aerospace R&D are towards lighter construction materials and more efficient engines – the overall goal being to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions associated with air travel and air freight. The significant interest in nanotechnology for the aerospace industry is justified by the potential of nanomaterials and nanoengineering to help the industry achieve this goal.

Nanotechnology is defined as the study and the use of structures smaller than 100 nanometers. This technology is capable of transforming the ways in which materials are produced, and the functionalities of the same can be retained or augmented. The drive for lighter and more efficient air vehicles has led to the rapid adoption of nanotechnology in aerospace manufacturing.

The aerospace applications for nanotechnology include high strength, low weight composites, improved electronics and displays with low power consumption, variety of physical sensors, multifunctional materials with embedded sensors, large surface area materials and novel filters and membranes for air purification, nanomaterials in tires and brakes and numerous others.

Primarily, there are three types of nanomaterials employed in aerospace manufacturing; nanostructured metals, polymer nanocomposites, and anti-corrosion coatings. The use of nanotechnology or nanomaterial ensures that an airborne platform retains its operational superiority, enhances the physical properties of structural and non-structural polymers used in the construction of an aircraft, and deliver efficient nano and micro sensors used in spacecraft.

The resultant components also prevent corrosions, thereby increasing the longevity of the platform. Technavio anticipates that the use of nanotechnology will reflect long-term sustainability and ensure enhancement in the overall performance of an aircraft/spacecraft.