Engine-generated solid particles - a case study

Current ecological trends and resulting legislation like European emissions standards Euro 6d or Best Available Techniques are setting new challenges in the field of environmental protection. Since the problem of emissions of particulate matter from diesel engines was solved by the application of diesel particulate filters (DPFs or FAPs) and due to the global dominance of gasoline fuelled passenger cars, particular concern has been focused on improvement of emissions performance of gasoline vehicles, including hybrids, as well as heavy-duty and non-road vehicles. This paper presents the results of preliminary studies on the chemical and physical properties of gasoline engine-generated particles, including nanoparticles. SEM images were presented which allowed identification of the character of particulate matter and estimates of the dimensions of particles. Moreover, the particles were found to be composed of different elements, including Cu, Si, Na, Ca, Zn and P, pointing to the origination of these particles from the pistons and lubricant additives.