Optimizing engine performance with piston thermal barrier coatings and Juliflora biodiesel–diesel blends: A response surface methodology approach

The primary objectives of research is the mitigation of emissions and the improvement of energy efficacy in IC engines. In this research, undergoing a plasma spray technique, the pistons is coated with a compound of titanium aluminide and yttria stabilized zirconia in various quantities. The primary aim to using this composite coating lies in its ability to act as a thermal barrier, reducing heat losses from the combustion chamber to the piston crown. The titanium aluminide base provides structural strength and high-temperature resistance, while yttria-stabilized zirconia ensures low thermal conductivity, thereby improving combustion efficiency and fuel utilization. The experimental work carried out with pistons on coating thickness of 150 μm, 250 μm and non-coated under various load conditions. The experimental research demonstrated that the diesel and biodiesel blend B20 correlates with an estimated 6.6% and 10.2% rise in thermal efficiency (BTE) at 250 μm coating thickness. Conversely, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) decreases by around upto 3.5% at 250 μm, respectively. The experimental results showed that the parameters for HC, CO, and smoke emissions decreased upto 8.82%, 14.8%, 5% as the 250 μm thickness of the piston coating than conventional pistion. NO x emission of the coated pistons were slightly increase (2.7%) of test fuels at maximum load conditions. The optimal parameters to enhance the performance of a CI engine, a Box-Behnken model will be created using Response Surface Methodology.