“(Keronite is a) new low cost aluminium coating technique, in this case specifically applied to pistons but also capable of application in other areas of engine design such as exhaust ports and valve seats. When applied to diesel combustion bowls a direct efficiency improvement is obtained due to reduced heat loss to walls. Although this is not a large benefit, it also allows higher temperatures to be tolerated during combustion and expansion. This benefit will allow for specific performance increases and hence provide a downsizing effect. It has been shown that downsizing in diesel engines can produce up to 10% improvements in fuel economy. The application of the (Keronite) coating technique to diesel piston ring grooves will, at least, allow a cost and weight reduction on the current steel insert ring groove technology. This will have positive knock-on effects in other areas of engine design providing the benefits above of those specifically associated with the pistons.

When considering the application of this technique to gasoline engines it is clear that it is a key enabler to downsizing. It is common in high specific output gasoline engines to have cylinder pressure approaching that of current production diesel engines. In this case it is normal to hard anodise the tip ring groove to provide a suitable level of durability. This new (Keronite) technique has environmental advantages over the hard anodising process. Various studies have shown the downsizing to provide between 15 and 20% fuel economy benefit in real production vehicle applications.”

A prime example of this is the development ..... of the rotary valve head system that will become the standard technology fitted to all piston engines over the coming years. By utilising Keronite in the valve bearings, it allows them to run dry by design with the obvious environmental benefits that brings via reduced emissions. Keronite also provides high temperature insulation for the aluminium valves that replace the current steel camshafts and all of the steel valves and springs in conventional poppet valve heads. This development will allow the ongoing use of the internal combustion engine for many more decades thanks to the doubling of power for a given engine size whilst at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions.”