The Application of Diamond in Automotive Engines
(1) Wear-Resistant Coatings
The engine is the core component of a vehicle, with some of its critical internal parts operating under harsh conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and high-speed friction, such as piston rings and valve lifters. Diamond coating technology provides excellent wear protection for these components. By depositing diamond coatings on the surfaces of these parts using methods such as chemical vapour deposition (CVD), the coefficient of friction can be significantly reduced, wear minimised, and the service life of the components extended. The high hardness and low friction characteristics of diamond coatings significantly reduce friction losses between piston rings and cylinder walls, improving engine mechanical efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering exhaust emissions. Additionally, diamond coatings exhibit excellent chemical stability, resisting corrosion from high-temperature combustion gases and lubricating oils within the engine combustion chamber, further enhancing component reliability and durability.
(2) Heat Dissipation Components
During operation, engines generate a large amount of heat. If this heat cannot be dissipated promptly and effectively, it will cause the engine to overheat, affecting its performance and service life. Diamond has extremely high thermal conductivity and is an ideal heat dissipation material. Applying diamond or diamond composite heat dissipation materials in engine components such as heat sinks and radiators can significantly improve heat dissipation efficiency. For example, combining diamond particles with metal or ceramic substrates to create heat sinks can enhance the ability to conduct heat from the engine's heat source to the external environment, enabling the engine to operate within a more stable temperature range. This not only helps improve the engine's power output performance but also reduces the risk of failures caused by overheating and extends the engine's maintenance cycle.
