In-Service Performance of Ceramic and Metallic Coatings in Diesel Engines

Much of the success obtained with coated diesel engine parts has been achieved with thermal barrier wear and corrosion-resistant coatings. The adiabatic diesel concept involves thermally insulating the combustion chamber with reduced cooling or the elimination of the cooling system entirely. The thermally insulated combustion zone offers potential advantages of emissions reductions, improved combustion, higher efficiency with waste heat utilization, and multi-fuel capability.

The experiences of using metallic and ceramic coatings in diesel engines will be reviewed. Particular emphasis will be put on using aluminium alloys as construction materials but with a protective ceramic or metallic coating on the surface facing heat sources or aggressive gases.