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OCETA ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROFILES |
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ASPROTM TREATED ALUMINA CERAMICS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES CAT. #05-012/08-019 |
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PROCESS/ PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
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The properties of the new ASPRO ceramic materials are ideally suited for application in internal combustion engines. ASPRO treated ceramics meet the selection criteria for engine components, including: high temperature operation, therma l shock and corrosion/wear resistance, low friction, light weight, and high strength. In a demonstration engine test, ASPRO treated alumina ceramic cylinder liners have been subjected to diverse road conditions and severe shock loading. After 15,000 km, n o sign of distress existed, to the ceramic liners. In comparison to metal cylinder liners, the extremely low friction and smooth surface of the ceramic | allows a more complete combustion and, thus reduces the fuel consumption and improves emissions of hyd rocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. Other benefits in combustion engines include better start-up in cold conditions, less noise, and durability. The ASPRO treated ceramic components can be used for cylinder liners, cylinder head liners, pisto n liners, turbo-charger liners, valve bodies, valve seats, catalyst substrate and mechanical seals. ASPRO treated materials also have potential applications in aircraft and space propulsion engines, and space power systems. | In a range of applications for ASPRO ceramic materials, each has its own particular combination of unique charac teristics and requirements. In the area of electrical/ electronic equipment manufacturing, the ASPRO process enhances the grain and grain boundary structure, increasing the concentration of defects and grain contacts. This influences electrical properties, and may be especially relevant in improving the high-Tc superconductor performance. Other proposed s tructural uses include power-generating equipment, components for chemical, mineral and metal processing |
PROCESS/ PRODUCT APPLICATION:
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The properties of the new ASPRO ceramic materials are ideally suited for application in internal combustion engines. ASPRO treated ceramics meet the selection criteria for engine components, including: high temperature operation, therma l shock and corrosion/wear resistance, low friction, light weight, and high strength. In a demonstration engine test, ASPRO treated alumina ceramic cylinder liners have been subjected to diverse road conditions and severe shock loading. After 15,000 km, n o sign of distress existed, to the ceramic liners. In comparison to metal cylinder liners, the extremely low friction and smooth surface of the ceramic allows a more complete combustion and, thus reduces the fuel consumption and improves emissions of hyd rocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. Other benefits in combustion engines include better start-up in cold conditions, less noise, and durability. | 
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Figure 1: Components
of the Internal Combustion Engine Block with the ASPRO treated Alumina
Ceramic Liner System
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The ASPRO treated ceramic components can be used for cylinder liners, cylinder head liners, pisto n liners, turbo-charger liners, valve bodies, valve seats, catalyst substrate and mechanical seals. ASPRO treated materials also have potential applications in aircraft and space propulsion engines, and space power systems. In a range of applications for ASPRO ceramic materials, each has its own particular combination of unique charac teristics and requirements. | In the area of electrical/ electronic equipment manufacturing, the ASPRO process enhances the grain and grain boundary structure, increasing the concentration of defects and grain contacts. This influences electrical properties, and may be especially relevant in improving the high-Tc superconductor performance. Other proposed s tructural uses include power-generating equipment, components for chemical, mineral and metal processing. | ||
PROCESS/ PRODUCT OPERATION:
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A novel, proprietary technology, the ASPRO process treats finished ceramic components through application of temperature and stresses. The process transforms full density (zero porosity) ceramic components to a new state. The tran sformation takes place at the grains and the grain boundaries. The process modifies the atomic structure and chemical bonds in the treated materials. The result of the transformation in the material is a unique combination of properties. These include the rmal shock resistance, while retaining/increasing full density, elastic modulus, hardness, fracture toughness, and strength. The ASPRO treated alumina components improve thermal shock resistance from deltaTc <300 deg. C to deltaTc >650 deg. C (Figure 2 ). The measured changes in specific heat, thermal conductivity, | 
Figure 2: Thermal Shock resistance comparison of ASPRO Treated Ceramic Materials |
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<--Click to View Table 2--
Table 2: Material Properties for ASPRO Treated Materials |
thermal expansion, and dielectric properties are unexpected in traditional ceramic materials and serve as evidence that fundamental structural change have occurred in the transformed materials. Successful experimental trials of ASPRO treated alumina liners in the internal combustion engine, and castings of molten aluminum, have provided important evidence of the effectiveness of the technology in responding to extreme thermal shock. | ASPRO treated material properties depend on the conditions of the conversion process, composition, and physical properties of the original materials. Thus, the ASPRO Conversion Technology has the potential to tailor bulk and coating materials to achieve higher or lower values of selected properties. The enhanced performances of the ASPRO materials (see Table 2) allows a new and exten ded range of applications low-cost alumina, and other advanced materials. | |
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VENDOR INFORMATION: ATS Spartec - AHCS Inc. |
ATS Spartec -- AHCS Inc. is responsible for ongoing development of the ASPRO Conversion Technology, for which, a patent application has been filed. ATS Spartec Inc. owns and manages ATS Spartec -- AHCS Inc. ATS Spartec Inc., manufacture s products to service many market sectors including, | metals, mining, transit, cement, pulp and paper, petrochemical, electrical generation and distribution. The specific markets targeted by the corporation are those which require a change of the critical properties of advanced materials, increased performance, and cost reduction. | To advance the technology to full commercialization, the company seeks to license the ASPRO Conversion Technology to manufacturers of engine components, materials processing, and electronics. |
This document was originally published October, 1999. Updated November, 2003.
It is best viewed with a 640 x 480 monitor setting.
While OCETA has reviewed this product/process with the Vendor and
conducted limited independent i nvestigation, OCETA assumes no responsibility
for the accuracy and completeness of the information.
O C E T A
ONTARIO CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT
ONTARIO CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT
2070 Hadwen Road, Unit 201A, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
L5K 2C9
TEL. (905) 822-4133 * FAX (905) 822-3558 * oceta@oceta.on.ca
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