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SOUTHFIELD, Michigan -- Federal-Mogul Corporation, a
leading global supplier of technologies that improve powertrain efficiency and enhance vehicle
safety, has developed a new coated piston for gasoline engines that combines the properties of
low wear and low friction in a single application. The new EcoTough®-coated piston offers
superior wear resistance and reduces fuel consumption up to 0.8 percent, as well as reduced
CO2 emissions, compared to conventional piston coatings. The EcoTough-coated piston is
compatible with existing and advanced cylinder bore finishes and can be introduced seamlessly
in volume engine production as a running change.
The key behind the EcoTough-coated piston technology is the composition of the coating, which
is comprised of solid lubricants, including graphite, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and carbon
fiber. In applications requiring additional protection, for example with a rough cylinder honing
structure, the EcoTough-coated piston offers a greater coating thickness than pistons with
conventional coatings. The technology suits high-volume manufacturing and is less sensitive to
pre-treatment process variations, resulting in greater robustness and minimized dispersions in
performance. The EcoTough-coated piston also fulfills the most stringent environmental
standards and contains no toxic solvents.
"Federal-Mogul's global strategy is to develop leading-edge technologies and innovative
solutions that improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance vehicle performance," said
Rainer Jueckstock, Federal-Mogul senior vice president of Powertrain Energy. "EcoTough is a
proven solution that will help OEMs meet the stringent regulatory requirements for their
vehicles."
Customer and governmental mandates to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption makes
the reduction of parasitic friction losses between the piston and the cylinder bore a priority for
vehicle manufacturers. At the same time, the power output-per-liter of engine displacement is
increasing as engines are downsized and boosted by turbo- or super-charging, subjecting
pistons to higher mechanical and thermal loads.
In laboratory testing, EcoTough-coated pistons show an 18-percent piston friction loss reduction
and an improvement of up to 3 percent in entire engine parasitic loss. Engine bench tests
confirm a fuel economy benefit of 0.4 to 0.8 percent in normal driving conditions. In wear
resistance testing at full load and after 50 cold-start cycles, EcoTough-coated pistons
demonstrate a major reduction in wear on the piston surfaces in contact with the cylinder.
"EcoTough offers vehicle manufacturers an attractive combination of benefits -- a reduction in
fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, coupled with improved wear resistance and
straightforward implementation," said Dr. Frank T.H. Doernenburg, Federal-Mogul's director of
technology, pistons and pins. EcoTough-coated pistons are currently in production, having
recently been introduced on a high volume vehicle from a major European manufacturer.
About Federal-Mogul:
Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain and safety technologies,
serving the world's foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, light commercial,
heavy-duty, industrial, agricultural, marine, rail, off-road and industrial vehicles, as well as the
worldwide aftermarket. The company's leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing
expertise, as well as marketing and distribution deliver world-class products, brands and
services with quality excellence at a competitive cost. Federal-Mogul is focused on its
sustainable global profitable growth strategy, creating value and satisfaction for its customers,
shareholders and employees. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company
is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 43,000 people in 34 countries.
Source:
Federal-Mogul
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