Composite materials ready to replace aluminium in internal combustion engines

In the next 3-5 years, the first cylinder housings manufactured from polymer composite materials could be introduced into passenger car and motorbike engines, replacing the aluminium components currently in use. Glass fibre-reinforced phenolic cylinder housings manufactured by injection moulding deliver the same performance as die-cast aluminium components but offer a significant reduction in weight, lower manufacturing costs and a better life cycle assessment. Additional benefits include reduced heat radiation, lower engine noise emissions and the elimination of corrosion-related issues.