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failures. In fact, 85% of the F1 grid is now using a Zircotec

coating to protect composite parts.

These coatings could also boost composites growth in

electrical applications. Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

can interrupt or degrade transmitted data signals. Carbon-

composite materials, known to be relatively transparent to

radio frequency signals, require bulky metal heat shields to

provide the right level of shielding. However, the addedweight

and bulk has deterred composite use in such applications.

Zircotec addressed this problem with a highly conductive alu-

minum-based material that is lightweight yet thin—typically

applied at less than 0.3 mm. Because carbon is an excellent

electrical conductor, a less conductive sub-layer is applied be-

fore the EMC top coating to prevent electrical contact with the

components themselves.

For design engineers, this means considerably more

scope for positioning electrical or electronic parts with-

in a vehicle and the option to use more composites in

vehicle design as well. Zircotec’s research suggests that

engineers would like to use composites for housing elec-

tronics, but poor EMC performance has restricted usage

due to the bulky metal shielding required to protect elec-

trical components.

Looking forward

In defense applications, heat management coatings

from Zircotec could be used reduce the thermal footprint

of vehicles, lowering the temperature emitted and making

them less detectable.

For more information:

Peter Whyman is sales director at

Zircotec Ltd., 22 Nuffield Way, Abingdon Oxon, OX14 1RL, +44

1235 546050,

Fig. 2 —

Coatings can reduce the heat and electrical signals

emitted from vehicles.

Fig. 3 —

ZircoFlex is used in the field in defense applications to

solve heat issues without removing vehicles from duty.

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