Ceramic coatings tailored for improved thermal efficiency and performance of IC engines

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Petrol engines, diesel engines, plug-in hybrids, battery or hydrogen fuel cells seem confusing but necessary varieties as powertrains in the near or long term future. Enhanced efficiency through more advanced technology is needed consistently across all model series. Petrol internal combustion (IC) engine has experienced a remarkable development in the past years, through the engine downsizing, variable valve timing, direct injection, turbocharging and internal friction reduction, etc. However, to fully utilize the advanced combustion technology, it would be beneficial if the pistons and combustion chamber walls have a ceramic coating surface (as a protection armour) better against compression loads and heat on one hand; on the other hand, the ceramic coating would reduce combustion heat loss to coolant, leading to high thermal efficiency and thus lower fuel consumption and emission; additionally, the ceramic coating with a proper coating thickness can decrease the heating-up effect to intake air which would reduce tendency of the engine knocking problem. The objective of this proposed research project is to develop smart ceramic oxide coatings on IC engine combustion chamber walls which have appropriate thermal management properties tailored for enhancement of both engine thermal efficiency and power performance. It is expected that the smart coating technology would result in 5-10% improvement in fuel economy and thus reduction of 1 million tons of CO2 emission in Canada if 20% Canadian vehicles use the technology.The project will hire 1 PDF, 1 Ph.D., 1.5 Master's, 1 Research Associate, and a few Co-op students for their HQP training in university and industrial R&D environments and provide talents for automotive and manufacturing sectors. The outcome of this research would allow automakers to adopt environmentally responsible solutions to reach their emissions and fuel efficiency targets. Thus, the proposed project will be very significant in environmental protection, technological advancement, and job creation and retaining for Canada.