"Mark Rand" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 12 Oct 2007 09:26:59 -0400, "Ed Huntress"

wrote:


Advances have been made in the use of ceramics in heat engines but I view
them the same way I view solar-Stirling engines and photovoltaic cells: a
bundle of promise, always just over the horizon, that never quite delivers
the big results promised for them. The "promise" of ceramic cylinders and
pistons is to drive the whole thermal cycle 'way up the Carnot Cycle
curve,
potentially to double engine efficiency.



Not quite what you are referring to, but Nikasil linings are fairly run of
the
mill in light weight engines.

Yes, those are one of the two primary ceramic coatings. Not much insulating
going on, and, as far as I know, no increase in peak operating temperature.

But they're good for wear and friction.

--
Ed Huntress