Microstructural Characterization, Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties of a Diesel Particulate Filter

Abstract

In the literature, limited studies are available due to the challenges of the detailed microstructural characterization and determination of properties of diesel particulate filters (DPFs). For this reason, the characterization of a commercial DPF was carried out with different techniques with the aim to identify the manufacturing processes, the chemical composition, the microstructure and the mechanical, physical and thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, back-scattered electron, secondary electron detectors), X-ray diffraction, universal mechanical testing, Archimedes technique, dilatometer and C-therm thermal conductivity analysis tools were used for the characterization. During DPF regeneration, the tailoring of these properties has crucial effect on the reliability and durability of the filter. The value of the thermal shock resistance parameter group $$\sigma _{\mathrm{f}}/E\alpha $$ was calculated to be 426 K, while thermal conductivity (k) was determined as 1.95 W/mK. When compared to the literature values for dense SiC, the $$\sigma _{\mathrm{f}}/E\alpha $$ value indicated a better thermal shock resistance; however, thermal conductivity was on the limits of an order of magnitude worsening the thermal shock resistance. Therefore, to improve the thermal shock resistance of the filter material, the thermal conductivity value has to be increased to the maximum allowed by the required porosity. The study may lead to tailoring of an optimized SiC DPF material.