Composite coatings improve engines
- Nihon Parkerizing Co. Ltd., Nagoya (Japan)
About 40% of the power loss in engine systems is attributed to the adverse effects of friction in reciprocating engine components. Over half of this power loss is caused by friction between pistons, piston rings, and cylinder bores. In addition, engine parts may be attacked by corrosive gasoline substitutes such as liquid propane gas and alcohol/gasoline mixtures. To solve both friction and corrosion problems, Nihon Parkerizing Co. has improved the nickel-phosphorus based ceramic composite (NCC) plating technology that was developed for cylinder bores and pistons by Suzuki Motor Co. in the mid 1970s. Iron and nickel-based composite plating technologies have been investigated since the early 1970s, and a few have been used on small two-stroke motorcycle, outboard marine, snowmobile, and some luxury passenger car engine components. Both nickel- and iron-base plating processes are used on cylinders and pistons because they offer excellent wear and corrosion resistance. Nickel-base films have higher corrosion resistance than those based on iron, and are capable of withstanding the corrosive conditions characteristic of high methanol fuels. Unfortunately, they experience a decrease in hardness as operating temperatures increase. However, NCC coatings with phosphorus additions have high hardness even under severe operating conditions, and hardness increases upon exposure to elevated temperatures. In addition to high hardness and corrosion resistance, NCC coatings provide a low friction coefficient, which contributes to the reduction of friction losses between sliding components. When used in low-quality or alcohol fuels, the corrosion resistance of NCC coatings is far higher than that of Fe-P plating. Additionally, the coatings reduce wall and piston temperature, wear of ring groove and skirt, and carbon deposit formation, and they improve output power and torque. These advantages all contribute to the development of light and efficient engines with better fuel mileage.
- OSTI ID:
- 6666906
- Journal Information:
- Advanced Materials and Processes; (United States), Vol. 146:6; ISSN 0882-7958
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
BORON NITRIDES
CERAMICS
CORROSION RESISTANCE
NICKEL ALLOYS
PHOSPHORUS
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON NITRIDES
USES
WEAR RESISTANCE
ALLOYS
BORON COMPOUNDS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
COATINGS
ELEMENTS
ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NITRIDES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NONMETALS
PNICTIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
330100* - Internal Combustion Engines
360600 - Other Materials