Comparing the resistance to motion of pistons coated with a layer of nanotubes with standard pistons

The paper presents preliminary results of testing the resistance to motion of pistons coated with a layer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A significant part of this paper was devoted to the problems of putting a layer of nanotubes on the surface of an aluminum alloy. Obtaining a layer of nanotubes of a very narrow margin of tolerance was a difficult technological problem to overcome. A standard process of growing a layer of nanotubes leads to a corrosion damage of the side surface of pistons; therefore, new technologies were developed allowing for obtaining a permanent layer of nanotubes less than 5 microns thick. Pistons whose side surfaces were coated with a layer of nanotubes were mounted to an engine with an external drive, and then measurements of the moment of momentary resistance to motion were performed, which enables capturing these phases of the engine work cycles in which the layer of nanotubes gives the best results. At present, long-term research is being carried out in order to determine the degree of the risk of exfoliation of the layer of nanotubes under the conditions of large mechanical and thermal loads. The special nanotechnology method cold nanosphere lithography has been invested to control the structural properties sand growth of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The preliminary analysis of dismantled pistons revealed that nanotubes layers were partially worn off at the peaks of micro roughness but in the valleys, the nanotubes accurately adhered to the piston lateral surface.