Corning Debuts Faster-Heating Catalyst Substrate

Some of Honda Motor Co.'s 2016 models will feature a new ceramic catalyst substrate with 20% quicker light-off than current-generation architectures.

Dubbed Flora, the Corning Inc.-developed material features an improved microstructure that helps catalytic material achieve operating temperature faster.

Quick warm-up is critical because as much as 70% of a gasoline engine's regulated emissions occur during the first 30 seconds following startup, Corning notes. It says the new substrate reduces converter mass, lowers non-methane organic compound emissions, cuts precious metal usage and enhances fuel efficiency.

Corning will produce the Flora substrates at its factory in Erwin, N.Y.