As is true of many products, not all thermal barrier coatings offer equal benefits and performance capabilities. Instead, some of these coatings prove to be far more effective than others.
We’ll begin this article with a quick overview of how thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) work and their primary uses. After that, we’ll share the details of what makes for a top-of-the-line thermal barrier coating and introduce what we believe to be the leading product in this industry.
Basics of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Before we can discuss what makes one thermal barrier coating better than another, let’s cover the basics of what these coatings are and how they work. In the simplest sense, thermal barrier coatings are nothing more than a protective layer that enhances the longevity and performance of specific materials.
Thermal barrier coatings reduce thermal energy transfer, which allows them to mitigate the ill effects that extreme temperature changes can have on buildings, manufacturing processes, and much more. These coatings can also reduce both condensation and corrosion, which allows materials to last much longer than they normally would.
Most thermal barrier coatings include at least two layers, the first of which helps the coating bind to the surface. The second layer is responsible for providing the protective benefits mentioned above. The application of these layers has become common practice in several industries, as the next section will show.
Uses of Thermal Barrier Coatings
Thanks to the incredible benefits of TBCs, they have gained widespread use throughout several industries. Below is a list of some of the most common uses of thermal barrier coatings:
- Improving building envelope for residential and commercial buildings
- Automotive, aerospace, and other forms of manufacturing
- Marine applications
- Aircraft turbines and engines
- Shipping and transportation
The uses of thermal barrier coatings do not end there, but the list above provides insights into the most common ones. Regardless of the scenario or use, thermal barrier coatings continue to prove their worth, thanks to their thermal energy reduction capabilities and their anti-corrosion properties.
General Types of Thermal Barrier Coatings
While most TBCs perform a similar function, there remain several different types of thermal barrier coatings that you should be aware of. Below are some of the most prevalent general types of thermal barrier coatings, each of which includes a brief description of its main use:
- Aluminide – fantastic for mitigating the negative effects of rust and corrosion.
- Metal-glass composite – amazing ability to form a strong bond with material surfaces
- Mullite – excellent for diesel engines.
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) – one of the most common, useful for gas turbines and diesel engines
- YSZ + Ceria – adds greater thermal shock resistance to the already capable YSZ
Understanding all the details of what makes these types of thermal barrier coatings advantageous requires specialty knowledge that most people don’t have. However, it remains helpful to at least have an idea of the main types that are out there and some of the specific ways they are used.
What to Look for in a Thermal Barrier Coating
All thermal barrier coatings are able to provide fantastic benefits in many industries. However, when searching for the ideal thermal barrier coating, there are some characteristics that make certain products stand out from the competition. Below is a quick list of some of the best qualities to look for in a thermal barrier coating:
- A breathable vapor barrier
- Condensation reduction
- Excellent solar reflectance
- Minimal shrinkage after application
- Lightweight for easy application
- Broad application range for quick application
Again, most, if not all, TBCs will provide outstanding benefits regardless of use. However, the leading thermal barrier coatings on the market today include these advantageous characteristics as well.
Get the Best Thermal Barrier Coating on the Market Today!
Now that you have learned about some of the general types of thermal barrier coatings and some of the main considerations to make when purchasing one, you are ready to learn about one of the best thermal barrier coating products in the industry.
ThermaCote®is a high-performance thermal barrier coating that is perfect for indoor and outdoor use in both residential and commercial applications. ThermaCote® has a superior ability to protect against corrosion, and its high-tech design allows it to drastically reduce the transfer of energy while providing excellent insulation for buildings.
One of the best features of the ThermaCote®thermal barrier coating is that it is not only highly functional but also attractive to the eye after application. Once applied and dried, ThermaCote®looks just like an application of standard latex paint.
In addition to those amazing benefits, ThermaCote® is also easy to apply and is perfect for buildings of all types, along with HVAC equipment and ductwork. Applying ThermaCote®today will help your building be better insulated, more long-lasting, and drastically more energy efficient.
Learn More from the ThermaCote®Team
There is plenty to learn about within the world of thermal barrier coatings. In fact, this article only scratches the surface of what these coatings can do. As such, if you want to learn more about thermal barrier coatings, it is best to seek the support of an expert.
At ThermaCote, we have dedicated ourselves to developing the most cutting-edge weather barriers and protective coatings in the world for the past three decades. Over that time, we have learned what it takes to enhance the energy efficiency and performance of many materials through the application of high-tech protective coatings.
If you are interested in learning more about how we match our customers to the best thermal barrier coating solutions for them, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us today to start a conversation and learn more about what ThermaCote® can do.