Automotive Research using the Diamond Synchrotron

Automotive

Research Area

To keep ahead of the competition, the automotive industry needs to identify and realise innovative research developments in chemistry, materials science and engineering. A deep understanding of fundamental processes such as catalysis and detailed knowledge of material properties on the molecular scale is vital to developing and maintaining competitive advantage and minimising impact on the environment.

Diamond provides specialist synchrotron analytical techniques for the atomic to microscale characterisation of materials ranging from catalytic materials and novel advanced components through to coatings and motor oils.

Catalysis

Element selective investigation of a wide range of materials; crystalline or amorphous and at very low concentration;
Structural and electronic studies of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in operating conditions;
Follow chemical composition changes during corrosion;
Study the surface structure of heterogeneous catalysts.

Materials Structure

Examine a wide range of advanced materials including metallic systems, ceramics, composites and performance polymers;
Investigate materials manufacture and processing problems;
Characterisation of materials with respect to the evolution of microstructure, crystallographic transformation and residual stress;
Uncover cracks and voids, in static conditions or during in situ loading.

Coatings

Investigate surface and layer structure and ordering in paints and performance coatings;
Characterise the nanostructure of non-crystalline materials under controlled environmental conditions, e.g. polymers, composites, alloys and ceramics;
Investigate the performance of corrosion resistant coatings.

Fuels and Lubricants

Investigate fuel cells and hydrogen storage materials;
Explore phase behaviour in fuels, motor oils and lubricants in the presence of additives;
Understand interfacial phenomena relating to friction, lubrication and wear;
Analyse particle shape, particle growth and self-assembly in colloidal systems.

Related Case Studies
Related News

Related Case Studies

Understanding catalytic filter devices for automotive emissions control

The Problem profilephoto

Particulate matter (PM) pollution remains a major public health concern. The installation of particulate filters on the exhaust of road vehicles with combustion engines has been critical in capturing PM before they pollute the environment.

However, the deposits cause the permeability of the filter to change continuously, and over time, without remediation, it can lead to excessive back-pressure from the exhaust, lowering the fuel efficiency of the engine and increasing greenhouse emissions.

A novel sample environment to probe the surface structure of engine oils

The Problem profilephoto

Organic Friction Modifiers (OFMs) are surfactants included in engine oil formulations. They adsorb on metal surfaces, forming compact surface layers that act as protective coatings to reduce friction and wear occurring between mechanical engine parts.

The use of OFMs is associated with more energy-efficient engines and a reduction in CO₂ emissions. The design of effective new formulations and novel OFMs relies on a detailed understanding of how OFMs self-assemble at interfaces and how their surface structure changes with tribological conditions.

Protecting the environment whilst maintaining efficient engine performance

The Problem profilephoto

Poor air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are at the forefront of public discussion, as well as being high on the agenda of worldwide policy makers. Many industries are embracing rapid changes in response, as is especially visible in the automotive sector, with the introduction of technologies such as gasoline particulate filters (GPFs). GPFs are positioned in a vehicle’s exhaust system and filter fine particulate matter (PM) produced by the engine. Recent legislation in places such as China, India and Europe will drive the adoption of GPFs on the majority of new gasoline, and hybrid electric, vehicles.

Whilst GPFs benefit public health and the environment by filtering out PM, they can also become gradually blocked by collected material. Captured carbonaceous particles (e.g. soot) can routinely oxidize away; however, inorganic PM (e.g. ash) typically remains in the filter for life, slowly blocking it and potentially reducing the fuel economy and power of the vehicle. Inorganic PM is predominantly derived from engine oil additive chemistry, which plays an important role in improving fuel economy, performance, and engine lifetime.