STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION IN IRON OXIDE TABLETS AT VIBRATION TESTING FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

Abstract
This paper presents structural evolution in iron oxide tablets at vibration testing for catalytic converters. The raw tablets composed from a mixture of cordierite powder with nanostructured iron oxide powders (pure and K-doped) and PVP binder. The analysis of the structural integrity of the raw tablets before vibration testing is evidenced by metallographic microscopic highlight the incidence of cracks. The raw tablets were mechanical vibration tested under normal operating conditions within the vibration damper to determine the structural integrity of the tablets. The mechanical vibration behavior of the tablets is essential in the development of new catalyst based on iron oxide nanoparticles for the reduction of gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines.