PROSPECTS OF USING MICROARC OXIDATION TECHNOLOGY FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

Abstract

The paper considers the prospects of using nano-crystalline ceramic coatings on internal combustion engine parts obtained using microarc oxidation (MAO) technology. The authors reveal an engine development tendency to replace cast-iron blocks and liners with aluminum ones with special coatings obtained by electroplating methods. It is noted that this method does not involve the use of repair technologies, which significantly affects consumer costs. The paper shows the prospects of using MAO technology both in the manufacturing of engine parts and restoration operations. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed technology, practical study was performed on covering the working part of the cylinder used in small-size agricultural machinery. The engines were tested at 5.1 kW at 3,600 rpm for 300 hours. After testing, no defects or wear were found on the cylinder face. Preliminary test results of the assembled engine showed no loss of power over 10,000 hours of car mileage, which indicates that the geometric parameters of the parts are preserved. The authors emphasize that the most optimal combination is the friction pair of two parts with an MAO coating. It has been established that the introduction of nano-additives in a MAO-coating leads to a decrease in the coefficient of friction between the cylinder and the piston ring and reduces the wear of piston rings and the cylinder face in more than 10 times. A conclusion is made about the feasibility of introducing the considered technology into the mass production of engines and pistons, as well as developing a set of repair equipment.