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Thermal barrier coating for composites
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13/07/2008
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A plasma-sprayed, ceramic, thermal barrier coating has been developed that is suitable for use with composites.
The technology was developed by Zircotec, formerly part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. It allows composites to work at temperatures above their melting points. Testing for a typical application gave a reduction in composite surface temperature of more than 125ºC. It gives significant thermal protection with only minimal weight gain, and is proving to be of particular interest to the motor sport community.
According to Zircotec sales manager Peter Whyman: “We can apply a reflective surface layer to help protect against radiant heat, or increase the thickness of the ceramic in certain areas where a hot spot can occur.”
He said a conductive sub-layer could help to dissipate the heat away from hot spots, and deal with transient heating situations.
“This means we can apply just the right amount of coating to deliver the necessary protection while minimising the weight impact of the coating, as low as 0.03g/cm2 for some applications.”
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Author
Tom Shelley
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