The Development and Application of 2-Stroke Catalysts for 2-Wheelers in Europe and Asia. 2001-01-1821

The exhaust gas mixture of a carburettored 2-stroke engine requires specially designed catalyst formulations if optimum pollutant conversions, durability and cost requirements are to be realised. Formulation improvements which increase the conversion of carbon monoxide (CO) allow manufacturers to tune their vehicles richer to give more power, improve rideability and promote longer engine life. In order to design catalyst formulations which facilitate engine tuning whilst still meeting legislative emissions targets, a study was performed on the effects of platinum group metal (PGM) combinations and advanced washcoat materials on CO performance. The effect of PGM and washcoat materials on fresh and aged CO conversion were assessed on vehicles representative of the European, Chinese and Indian markets. A road-correlated bench engine ageing cycle was used to simulate 30,000 km road ageing. Through the development of advanced washcoat materials and their targeted interactions with PGM, special high performance catalysts were formulated that gave enhanced CO conversion under two-stroke exhaust conditions.