Everyday Scientist

mercedes is going nano

May 10, 2006 at 1:57 pm | sam | stupid technology

Check out this Mercedes-Benz ad I found in a magazine:

In case you can’t read it, it says:

At Mercedes-Benz, even the paint is a feat of engineering. We integrated ceramic nano-particles into the molecular structure of the paint’s clearcoat. The result is a higher-gloss paint finish that is more resistant to scratches. At Mercedes-Benz, beauty is engineered to last.

So they used a model kit to make 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane. That’s engineering! Also, Mercedes seems to be jumping on the nano bandwagon (not a nanobandwagon, maybe James Tour—of nanoputians and nanocar fame—could make that). Ceramic nano-particles, eh? Integrating into the molecular structure, huh? Sounds to me like they mixed some bits of clay into the paint. But what do I know? I’m not an engineer.