Ceramic Coatings

Ceramic coatings are coatings that help with reducing friction, heat and wear. There are 5 types of ceramic coatings: thermal barrier, oil-shedding, anti-friction, thermal barrier coatings for exhaust systems and anti-corrosive and salt-shedding. Basically these coatings are acrylic paints filled with ceramic micro-spheres which prevent heat from crossing through them.

One example of use for ceramic coatings is their application on engine components. They form a barrier between dissimilar metals and hence reduce friction that wears out the internal engine components. Of course, by reducing friction they also reduce heat. With the coating applied on them, the components are able to interface with one another in a more uniform way and with greater compatibility. It seems that by coating engine components horsepower is gained.

These components are made from dissimilar metals. The consequence of the lack of metallurgical similarities between these elements is that they dissipate and absorb heat at different cycling periods. Here is what determines horsepower gain: heat resistance, friction reduction, and wear protection, all being results of applying ceramic coatings. The surface of the components that are about to be coated must be prepared first, by media- or sandblasting. In this way, the outer crust surface of the components and any contaminants present on them are removed. It is the opinion of some that after this step another one should follow: heating the component in an oven so that any other contaminants are sweated out. The porosity from within the metallurgical molecular structure will also be sweat out. Another example of use for ceramic coatings is their application on storages made of galvanized metal. As they are exposed to the sun, their surface is heated to very high temperatures hence the decay of the metal is speeded up. Applying ceramic coatings seems to be a solution for this problem, as temperature on the surface decreases.

« Back