THE ROLE OF THE

Preface
The chemist’s role in the automotive industry today is varied and a large number
of chemists are being utilized outside a laboratory role. Many engineering applications
require material knowledge above and beyond that of mechanical engineers.
Chemists have been filling this role quite well as material engineers and product
engineers. Polymers are increasingly used in today’s vehicles in an effort to make
them lighter, more cost effective, and more environmentally friendly. New technologies
such as engineering polymers, polymer films in fuel cells, and CO 2 AC systems
continue to drive this need.
I noticed the need for a book such as this through my guest lectures at the
University of Detroit-Mercy and my experiences dealing with students and interns
at General Motors. Their questions regarding what a chemist’s role should be within
the automobile industry prompted me to write this book. It is intended to give an
overview of topics dealt with by today’s automotive chemist; however, for more
detail I recommend further reading.
Many circumstances involving the various duties of the chemist, mechanical
engineer, and metallurgist have come to my attention over the last 20 years.
Engineering polymers such as polyaryletherketones and polyimides provide better
PV (pressure, velocity) characteristics, coefficient of friction (µ), and mass properties
than metallic seals of the past. Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells use
thin solid membranes in their construction. These membranes are typically a copolymer
of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorinated monomers. Microcellular foam
technology involves an introduction of small amounts of supercritical nitrogen
gas into molten polymer resin. This technology helps remove stress from parts
as well as saves manufacturing cost. CO 2 air conditioning systems allow for the
replacement of environmentally unfriendly fluorinated hydrocarbons. All of these
technologies require the technical knowledge of chemists but also cross the lines
of the various disciplines.
I would have liked to discuss many other topics, such as tire chemistry, the technology
of adhesion, and various other issues important to the automobile industry.
However, due to various limitations, I hope to address these topics at another time. I
have tried to focus on what has been most relevant within my knowledge and could
be helpful to the general layperson or student.
Herman K. Phlegm
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