TEST REGIME - EXHAUST SYSTEM COATINGS

All of Zircotec's exhaust system coatings must pass our rigorous product testing and validation regime before being included in our standard product range which includes (but is not limited to):

 

Thermal Barrier Performance

We measure the performance of samples under different temperature conditions to ensure that each coating meets our target thermal barrier performance. This test addresses thermal conductivity together with surface heat transfer effects such as emisivity, radiation, convection and conduction. In addition to tests in an exhaust coating configuration, we also test the performance when the heat source is external (i.e. with the coating used in a "heat shield" configuration).


In the case of our Performance Colours we test to ensure the performance of our underlying Zircotec Performance White coating is not in any way compromised.

 

Life-time Thermal Exposure

We test all of our coatings at high temperature over prolonged periods, simulating more than 100,000 miles of road use. In the case of our Performance Colours Range we have tested at simulated manifold temperatures of 900oC (1,652oF).

 

Thermal Shock Testing

All of our coating types undergo thermal shock testing. In the case of our Performance Colours Range this involved heating the coating to 500oC (932oF) and then quenching in cold water at 20oC (68oF). We repeat this procedure 30 times and we only judge the coating to have passed if it is still fully adhered and shows no signs of degredation. This is of course a far more demanding test than any of the conditions that our coatings are likely to experience in use, but it does allow us to be sure that our coatings will stand up to normal use.

 

Corrosion Testing (inc. Salt-water corrosion tests)

All of our coatings are subjected to long-term corrosion tests using warm fully aerated water. Our coatings are only judged to have passed this test if there are absolutely no signs of corrosion or corrosion product staining on our test samples.

 

Chemical Stability Testing

We test our coatings to ensure that they offer adequate stability when exposed to everyday substances. We test a range of chemicals and our criteria is that our coatings should not suffer unexpected damage from short-term accidental exposure (though clearly the range of substances tested is limited to those in common use).

 

Adherance & Scratch Resistance

Coatings within our Performance Colours Range have been through and passed independent coating adherance and scratch resistance testing.

 

 

 

 

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