The Implementation of Graphene Composites for Automotive: An Industrial Perspective

Abstract

Graphene with its exceptional properties in particular the mechanical ones: strength and flexibility, has been found potentially applicable to improve performance of composite materials. Graphene composites is expected to be lighter yet provide more strength, much stronger than steel. This meets the growing demand in the automotive sector which requires lightweight as well as energy efficient and safe vehicles (EESVs) in order to reduce CO2 emission and achieve more fuel economy of the vehicles. Hence, it is suggested to be applied in structural applications for automobiles. However, its scalability for massive production scale is still under investigation. It encounters challenges such as high manufacturing cost, feasible fabrication techniques, as well as safety issues. This study elaborates further the industrial perspectives on the implementation of graphene composites in automotive industry. The analysis in this study emphasises on three different aspects of innovation management: business ecosystem, PESTEL analysis, and scenario planning. The results of this study reveal key partners as well as potential competitors from the insights of business ecosystem, and two major concerns from PESTEL analysis and scenario planning: sustainable supply chains and quality of the graphene composites.

Graphene: A Path-Breaking Discovery for Energy Storage and Sustainability

“…Esquivel-Gaon [335] demonstrated that the use of r-GRO as nano additives contributes to decreasing the environmental influence of the transport sector, which was a positive step toward a more sustainable automobile sector. Izzaty et al [336] elaborated on the industrial perspectives on the implementation of graphene composites in the automotive industry. They focused on three different aspects of innovation management, namely PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal) analysis, business ecosystem and scenario planning.…”

An Overview of Automated Manufacturing for Composite Materials

“…Composites are used in the automotive industry to produce lightweight parts that are durable and strong enough to provide protection in an impact. The weight reduction results in lower fuel consumption which is environmentally advantageous [18]. Materials that do not rust are discussed as another advantage [19] [20].…”

Preparation and properties of composite materials containing graphene structures and their applicability in personal protective equipment: A Review

“…Conversely, the quality of composites will determine its performance in the end applications, as the quality of graphene has a significant impact on properties that are specific to graphene and composite products made on its basis. In this case, the quality very much depends on the fabrication process of the material, and this is still undergoing extensive research in numerous projects [150]. The quality of composites used for the production of PPE is determined by factors such as structural defects and impurities on the graphene, degree of dispersion, the num-ber of different layers, degree of functionalization, and the compatibility with the composite materials and ratio aspects [55].…”