An investigation of Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ ceramic composite-coated engine parts using plasma spray method on a diesel engine

ABSTRACT

In this study, the surfaces of the piston, cylinder head and valve parts of the combustion chambers for a single-cylinder diesel engine were coated at 250 µm thick ceramic composite Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ (20–80%) main coating material and 100 µm NiCrAl interlayer material. Also, B6 and B12 biodiesel fuels were produced. Fuel blends were tested on a diesel engine with thermal barrier-coated surfaces for 50 h under the same conditions. When the SEM images and the EDS analysis results of the pistons covered with the ceramic composite main coating material are examined, it has been seen that the coating material permeates the surfaces in a very homogeneous manner and allows to work with high performance without causing any deterioration on the surfaces during working. At high temperatures, the working periods of 50 h and the formation of smoke did not cause any damage to the main material and the coating material.

KEYWORDS:

• Diesel engine
• sunflower oil
• thermal barrier coating
• biodiesel
• SEM

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Düzce University Scientific Research Projects (Project numbers: 2013.07.04.187 and 2015.07.04.366). We would like to thank Duzce University for its financial support.