Composite Coating ThermoHold™ CF

Zircotec has pioneered an advanced thermal barrier coating process for the protection of carbon fibre and other composite components, increasing fire resistance and better protection against delamination and resin melt.

ThermoHold™ ceramic coatings have been extensively used by the aircraft industry to permit turbine blades to operate at surface temperatures in excess of the melting point of the substrate blade material.

Adopted widely in F1, the technology is now available for other race and performance road car applications.

Ceramic Coating Applications

Body Panels
Brake Parts
Chassis
Diffusers
Exhaust ducts
Suspension components
Heat Shields

Composite Protection Test Data

The thermal barriers of coated and uncoated composite materials have been assessed under full laboratory conditions. Sample 1 was a CFRP cynate ester panel with woven carbon reinforcement. Sample 2 was the same material coated with Zircotec's Thermohold™ CF thermal barrier protections. Radiant heat was directed at the surface of the samples and data recorded using seven thermocouples.

Graph

Sample 1 (uncoated) was not stable in the temperature regime and showed signs of scorching and delamination of the substrate

Sample 2 (Thermohold™ coated) afforded excellent protection. No signs of scorching or delamination, the panel was undamaged and the ceramic coating remained bonded to the substrate. The coated panel is over 100°C cooler

For further weight savings the ceramic coating can be applied directly to the chassis itself. Please contact us here