ADEC

Advanced Low Friction Engine Coating

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The consortium behind this project – a group of European SMEs, surface coating technology providers and engine manufacturers – aims at developing a new innovative type of super lubrication wear-resistant surface coating for internal walls within internal combustion engines. The coating will reduce friction and provide better tolerances between cylinder and piston, decrease the wear of the components, increase the fuel efficiency, increase the engine power as well as increase the overall engine lifetime, reduce the CO2 emissions and even reduce the overall pollution of e.g. soot particles and formation of NOx. A new coating embedded with nano-diamond will be developed and tested. The AdEC project will initially target primarily the small engine market with 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, it is foreseen that there will be a significantly larger market in connection with conventional car engines after successful implementation in small engines. The implementation of AdEC will therefore open up a significant market potential for the SME consortium, targeting an initial potential market of € 650 million.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Lubricants make an engine's work easier and simultaneously decrease wear of the components. Novel nanodiamond-based coatings promise to significantly increase engine efficiency, decreasing associated pollution and increasing component lifetime.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Internal combustion engines convert the chemical energy in fuels into kinetic energy to move parts under high temperatures and pressures and rapid cycling conditions. Inefficiency increases fuel consumption and associated emissions. A European consortium is developing a super-lubricating and wear-resistant coating based on nanostuctured diamond with EU-funding of the project 'Advanced low friction engine coating' (http://www.adecoating.dk (ADEC)) .

Scientists are initially targeting the small engine market (two- and four-stroke engines) for garden equipment, mopeds and scooters. However, successful implementation will enable penetration of the significantly larger market for conventional cars estimated at around 650 million euro. New technology covers development of functionalised diamond nanoparticles and their dispersion in a metal matrix, novel electroplating processes and appropriate materials for the pistons and piston rings.

To date, the team has successfully functionalised commercial nanodiamond grades and processed them in aqueous dispersions that are stable under nickel electroplating conditions. Preliminary tests of electroplated nickel coatings were promising. Further improvements in mechanical properties and process stability are expected with second-generation coatings. With an eye on cost optimisation, the team expects that these enhancements will enable use of less nano-additive for a direct impact on price.

ADEC's super-lubricating, highly wear-resistant, diamond nanoparticle-based coatings for the internal walls of combustion engines will enhance component lifetimes while reducing pollutants such as carbon dioxide. The technology is poised to significantly increase the competitive position of partner small- and medium-sized enterprises while simultaneously supporting EU objectives on fuel economy and emissions.