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As emissions regulations become more stringent, catalyst supports with higher cell density, smaller wall thickness, higher surface area and lower thermal mass become more desirable for faster light off and higher conversion efficiency. Simultaneously, however, washcoat formulation and loadings have to be adjusted to yield higher and more stable B.E.T. area at operating temperatures representative of close-coupled application. The thermal mass contribution of advanced washcoat system to catalyst supports with 600/4 and 900/2 cell structures may approach or even exceed that of uncoated substrates. Under such high washcoat loadings, the composite properties of advanced catalysts may be affected adversely in terms of their physical durability, notably in close-coupled application. This paper focuses on potential solutions to light-off performance and FTP efficiency, via optimization of substrate/washcoat interaction, geometric design and the mounting system.

Tempered float glass is commonly used for both side windows and backlites in the automotive industry. The success of such products is primarily attributed to high level of residual compression, following tempering, which provides abrasion resistance as well as 3X higher functional strength to sustain mechanical, vibrational and thermal stresses during the vehicle's lifetime. Certain applications of tempered glass, however, require mounting holes whose surface-finish must be controlled carefully to withstand transient tensile stresses during tempering. Simultaneously, the nature and magnitude of residual compression at the hole must provide sufficient robustness to bear mounting, vibrational and thermal stresses throughout the life of the vehicle. This paper presents (i) analysis of residual compression at the hole, (ii) measurement of biaxial strength of annealed glass with hole at center, and (iii) measurement of biaxial strength of tempered glass with hole at center.