Welcome to Techlines: March 1999

MORE TIPS FOR CERMAKROME

We have received multiple requests regarding the color changes that can be expected from Cermakrome, during normal operation of exhaust systems.

• Cermakrome is unlike chrome in that it does not "blue" nor does it develop a gold shade at higher operating temperatures. However there are changes that will occur.
• A slight "dulling" of the polish can occur over time as a result of normal "weathering" of the surface. The original appearance can be restored, by polishing with a paste polish or similar material.
• Damage that is the result of abrasion can also leave a dull appearance. More aggressive polishing with very fine steel wool followed by a polish can restore the finish if the damage is not too great.
• Thermal damage can occur. Metallic ceramics using aluminum as their primary filler will dull when the substrate temperature approaches 1200f. This requires exhaust gas temperatures in excess of 1400f. The coating will turn "gray" and dull. If the substrate temperatures have not exceeded 1200f this damage can normally be polished out. However it can reoccur if temperatures again reach this level. If the substrate temperature exceeds 1300f, delamination can occur. Aluminum will melt at temperature over 1100f. The resin gives a little higher temperature capability to the aluminum.
• Generally speaking metallic ceramics with aluminum as the primary filler can operate with base
  metal temperatures of about 1300f and constant environmental temperatures of about 1600f. With our
  new formula we have actually experienced base metal temperatures in excess of 1600f without
  delamination, though corrosion protection and appearance would be seriously affected at this
  temperature. In some instances higher temperatures can be resisted if a base coat of MCS is applied
  first.
• In a recent test we heated a 2" diameter piece of mild steel tubing to 1600f surface temperatures, not substrate temperatures. The 1600f was measured on the exterior surface of Cermakrome (MCX). The coating had not delaminated. However small "balls" of aluminum were visible on the surface of the coating. The coating had turned a silver white rather than a dull gray color.

Consequently when guarantying a Cermakrome coated part be sure, to make it known what the operating temperature ranges are. If the part exceeds these temperatures the coating will fail.

If you wish to use Cermakrome in higher temperature environments you must use MCS (sf) as a base undercoat. This will allow Cermakrome to be used in applications where the substrate temperatures rise about 200f to 300f
Above the temperatures Cermakrome can handle on its own. ID coating also helps.

TEST RESULTS

Capps Brite Hot Coatings in Fresno Calif. passed on the following information.

Application: Sprint Car Rearend
Coated: Ring and Pinion Inside and out of Housing
Inside of axle "bells"
Goal: Reduce friction as indicated by operating temperature.
Test Method: Car raced at World Of Outlaws event. Measure temperatures of uncoated and coated rearends.

Results:
Uncoated operating temperatures 240f to 259f
Coated: 166f

Race Result

At a Recent Indy Car race, due to weather, the best speed for all cars was 174 miles per hour. With the very close similarity of the engines any significant change in speed would be surprising. Each car had two laps on a 1mile course to qualify. Custom Craft of Arkansas had done coating for one team. The primary coating used was MCX over MCS, with MCS also on the inside.

How did this car do? The team qualified for the pole position with a speed of 177MPH. No other car exceeded 174 MPH.

Extra Profit

As many of you are aware Tech Line is closely allied with Car Chemistry, Inc. One of the first products from car Chemistry is the POWER PULSE INSERTS that replace mufflers. If you are coating headers for either race or street, you can sell these inserts to your customers. They will allow your customer to meet track sound requirements. If it is a street customer they can build a custom exhaust system with NO MUFFLERS. Looks and sounds great. If you have not received info call and ask for the latest package.

Additional products are coming that you can sell.

NEW PRODUCT

In testing now is an air drying insulating coating designed for the floor board area to reduce heat transfer into the drivers compartment. The initial testing has shown excellent results. The coating can be applied inside or out. It is a aluminum/gray color for reflectability and can handle the high temperatures near an exhaust system. Chemical resistance is now being tested.

Send e-mail to the author: Leonard Warren

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