Leading automotive coating specialist Zircotec has developed a range of 13 new coloured ceramic coatings that can be applied to components such as exhaust manifolds and, turbo housings to offer customisation as well as providing a thermal barrier that offers significant reductions in underbonnet temperatures. The process uses a derivative of Zircotec’s proven ThermoholdTM ceramic coating with a multi-layer ceramic paint finish in a choice of colours including red, green, blue, yellow, black, gold and silver. These coatings are designed to offer the ultimate in thermal barrier performance whilst also providing an attractive finish that is durable and easy to maintain. When applied to an exhaust system, the Zircotec coating inhibits the transfer of heat from the surface of the material, holding the temperature within the exhaust gas, protecting nearby components and finishes, and offering a significant reduction in external temperature.“High temperature paints on their own are not durable for exhaust manifolds,” says Zircotec’s sales manager Peter Whyman. “They can flake off and offer very little thermal barrier protection. Our customers, notably in the tuning market, are looking to match the exhaust with body colour or silicon hoses. With little thermal barrier protection, heat from the exhaust or turbo can damage surrounding elements in the engine bay. Our solution not only looks good, it retains its finish and will protect the rest of the engine bay, increasing durability and prevents further refinishing.”By using plasma-sprayed ceramic underneath the ceramic paint finish, Zircotec has created a process that protects the coloured surface from the effects of heat, reducing the potential for discoloration and damage. Zircotec has proven the new product through an extensive programme of product testing and validation, replicating more than 100,000 miles of road use and simulating lifetime manifold temperatures of 900oC. The durable Zircotec’s zirconia-based ceramic ensure impact and scratch resistance, whilst thermal shock resistance has been tested through repeated cycling from 500oC to immersion in a bath of cold water (at 20oC). Exhausts, including manifolds and silencers, together with turbo housings are likely to be the most common applications for tuned road and race cars but the coating is highly applicable to other metal components including heat shields and engine ancillaries. “We envisage any application where heat affects damages a painted surface could benefit from using the Zircotec coating,” concludes Whyman.