Scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute are testing a carbon coating that would harden modern plowshares. Seems trivial, but with world food supplies just a few years away from crisis and arable land becoming scarce, such small innovations are necessary.
The carbon coating that’s supposed to improve efficiency is called DLC or Diamond Like Carbon. That’s because it’s so hard, it cuts through the soil with less resistance than a traditional plow.
Seen above is a rather unassuming arrowhead. Actually, it’s not. It’s a plow blade coated in the magic DLC.
Understanding Diamond Like Carbon (DLC)
Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) is a form of amorphous carbon that exhibits some of the typical properties of diamond. This includes high hardness, low friction, and resistance to wear. These properties make DLC an ideal candidate for applications where durability and efficiency are paramount. In the context of plowshares, the DLC coating allows the blade to cut through soil more efficiently, reducing the energy required for plowing and thereby conserving fuel and reducing wear on the machinery.
The rather bad news is this new breed of plow technology is still being tested. Since DLC is just a coating, it can only be used for a finite amount of time before it weakens. What the Fraunhofer guys are itching to accomplish is to find the right kind of steel that complements DLC, thereby creating a super plow.
The Potential Impact on Agriculture
The positive effects of employing such super plows in farms are faster work, less strain on machinery, and energy conservation. This indicates that, in the greater scheme of things, a better plow’s biggest boost comes from its ripple effect. Ripple effects that ripple far and wide and hopefully improve our food supply in the process.
For instance, consider a large-scale farming operation that adopts DLC-coated plows. The immediate benefits would be a reduction in the time and fuel required to prepare fields for planting. Over a growing season, this could translate into significant cost savings and increased efficiency. Moreover, the reduced wear and tear on machinery would lower maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of expensive farming equipment.
Another important aspect to consider is the environmental impact. Traditional plowing methods can contribute to soil erosion and degradation. By using more efficient plows, farmers can minimize these negative effects, promoting healthier soil and more sustainable farming practices. This is particularly crucial as the global population continues to grow and the demand for food increases.
Furthermore, the development of DLC-coated plows could spur additional innovations in agricultural technology. As researchers and engineers work to optimize the performance of these plows, they may discover new materials and techniques that can be applied to other farming tools and equipment. This could lead to a broader transformation of the agricultural industry, making it more resilient and capable of meeting future challenges.
The Fraunhofer Institute’s work on DLC-coated plows is a prime example of how seemingly small technological advancements can have far-reaching implications. By improving the efficiency and durability of plowshares, they are contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural system. While there is still work to be done to perfect this technology, the potential benefits are clear and significant.
Source Gizmag
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