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[August 2003]
Morgan Advanced Ceramics drives growth with global approach to auto tribology
Morgan specialises in application-specific ceramics and surface-engineered coatings delivering value-added solutions in demanding applications such as counterface seals for pumps, tappet inserts, cam rollers, turbocharger rotors, and door and window mechanisms.Morgan ceramics out-perform polymers and metallic alternatives in many areas where dimensional stability, friction and wear characteristics are critical. For example, Morgan’s alumina ceramics are used in the valves of air suspension systems that control ride levels of heavy goods vehicles. Featuring exceptional hardness and compressive strength, Morgan alumina ceramics help to minimise the volume of air consumed, allowing for better control and making cab levelling valves more efficient. This enables independent control of the cab, chassis and seat as the system compensates for varying trailer load.
Morgan alumina ceramics used in this application help to reduce downtime and repair costs. They can be used for tens of millions of cycles without function impairment and are maintenance-free for the service life of the valve. Unlike conventional valve materials, Morgan’s alumina ceramics are highly wear-resistant, minimising abrasion caused by dust-laden airflow. There is also no time-dependent increase in leakage, as with rubber seals.
Morgan also produces components in silicon nitride, offering enhanced strength at elevated temperatures. One application is exhaust valves for diesel engines where the ceramic can operate at higher temperatures with less heat rejection than metallic materials, giving the engine a higher power density. Silicon nitride valves are also much lighter than metal equivalents, resulting in a reduced reciprocating inertia increasing engine efficiency.
Morgan’s surface engineering capabilities include amorphous and nanocrystalline coatings including diamond-like coatings (DLC) and solid film lubricants. These are used to control friction or improve resistance to wear and corrosion in applications such as seat adjustment springs, throttle linkage bushes, suspension ball joints, tow couplings, washer/wiper mechanisms and rolling element bearings.
ENDS