Friction and Wear Characteristics of TiC Surface Coatings in a Small Two-Stroke Utility Engine

To quantify the friction and wear characteristics of TiC coatings, a small two-stroke engine is operated with both coated, and un-coated piston and rings on a fan-type dynamometer for a given length of time. Fuel consumption and power were monitored during the runs and motored friction was measured both pre- and post-run. Surface analysis consisting of photography, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imagery, and x-ray diffraction of the piston and rings were compared before and after the runs to quantify coating durability.

Frictional load results and fuel consumption data were analyzed indicating the approximate efficiency gains for the coatings compared with the stock engine parts.