KEY ENGINEERING MATERIALS

Abstract

In this study, an investigation of the effects of ceramic coatings on diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions was presented. Tests were carried out a range of engine speeds at low, middle and high load conditions for a standard engine and a ceramic-coated engine. Cylinder head and valves of an engine were coated with a 0.35 mm thickness of CaZrO3 over a 0.15 mm thickness of NiCrAl bond coat. Pistons were also coated with MgZrO3. The coatings were produced using atmospheric plasma spray technique. Specific fuel consumption values of insulated engine were lower than standard engine (about 1-6 %). Due to the better combustion efficiency in the coated engine, particulate emissions were lower than the standard engine (about 48 %).