Page 104 - Technology Roadmap Transportation

TECHNOLOGY VISION 2035

downsized. Penalties for excess emissions from 6.3 GAPS IN MATERIAL SCENARIO
vehicles have ensured that manufacturers use Development of low cost, long-life and affordable
every material as a design variable to ensure that materials is important. Development of high
vehicle weight is reduced, with no compromise on strength steel alloys is required. Materials should
safety and performance. Studies on materials have be developed for energy absorbing characteristics
shown that aluminum, advanced high-strength steel in view of safety requirements. Light-weight
(AHSS), and some plastics like poly-propylene materials like aluminum and magnesium should be
(PP), poly-amide (PA) and poly-urethane (PU) used for vehicular components, including power-
have emerged as preferred choices for light-weight train to improve fuel economy. Research on new
designs. Metals, owing to their strength, recyclability materials like composites should be explored Use
and good cost-to-performance ratios have of natural fibers like Jute is required for automotive
historically been the preferred choice for structural components.
components. For a typical mid-size passenger car,
metals constitute about 75% of vehicle weight, of 6.4 ROADMAP FOR MATERIALS IN
which around 60% is traditional and high-strength TRANSPORT SECTOR
steels and 7% is AHSS. Aluminum occupies ~89% Indian vehicles are also following the global trends
by weight and is expected to exhibit healthy and becoming lighter and fuel efficient due to
growth as it competes with steel and plastics in adoption of new materials such as composites,
almost all components of a car. Magnesium (in jute, carbon fiber, steel, aluminum, titanium,
alloy form), exhibiting the highest strength-to- magnesium and plastics. Vehicle components are
weight ratio among structural metals, is also set to being manufactured with new materials and they
grow. are improving the aesthetics of vehicles. Examples

TABLE 6.1 MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES ROADMAP

Name of Description Investment Required
Technology

Can be used for engine Investment required for indigenous
Aluminum
components like cylinder block development.
High Strength Used for all powertrain Investment required for indigenous
Steel components like crankshafts development.

Investment required for indigenous
Magnesium Can be used for steering wheels
development.

Carbon Fibers Can be used for vehicle interiors Technology can be imported

Can be used for fuel tanks and Investment required for indigenous
Plastics
bumpers development

Can be used for fuel cylinders and
Composites Technology can be imported
some hot engine components.
Jute or coconut coir can be used
Natural Fibers Nil
as seat covers, floor mats etc.

Used for heat resistance and Investment required for indigenous
Ceramics
insulation. development

Used for coating of engine
Nano materials Technology can be imported.
components.

102 ROADWAYS