This blog will weigh in on thermal barrier coatings vs. traditional insulation. When it comes to insulating a building, or any form of construction project, there are a lot of requirements to consider. Space, long-term costs, thermal performance, application method, durability, resistant properties, and so on.
We’re going to assess how thermal barrier coatings perform alongside traditional insulation methods, such as fibreglass, mineral wool, and foam. Continue reading and make your call which you think is best…
Thermal Barrier Coatings Vs. Traditional Insulation: Defining TBCs
Thermal barrier coatings (TBSs) are a type of engineering coating, designed to protect components from thermal pressures. Extreme heat or thermal cycling can have a damaging impact on materials. For equipment to last and endure the impact of its environment, it must have ample protection.
Advanced metal, ceramic, or composite materials, with supreme insulation properties, are sprayed onto a prepared substrate, thereby altering its surface properties.
Not only do thermal barrier coatings protect materials, but they are also used to protect machine operators. If not controlled, the conduction of extreme heat can have life-threatening consequences. Thermal barrier coatings are used to conceal heat to where it is needed and away from where it is unwelcome.
Why don’t we just use the advanced materials we used for thermal barrier coatings to make components? Materials such as superalloy metals and ceramics are expensive and difficult to come by. In many ways, metal spraying is a cost-effective solution for industries to achieve the same results.
For a summary of Everything You Need To Know About Thermal Barrier Coatings, check out our blog.
Benefits Of Thermal Barrier Coatings
1. Advanced Thermal Insulation
Thermal barrier coatings can significantly reduce heat transfer between hot gases/air/thermal energy and the underlying substrate. This allows components to resist heat damage, even at critically high temperatures.
2. Improved Efficiency
Once thermal barrier coatings have been applied, machinery, engines, or components in any application can withstand high temperatures and maintain their insulation performance. This can minimise operational failure, maintenance downtime, and/or component failure.
3. Enhanced Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion can jeopardise the structural integrity of various applications. Oxidation can occur in high temperatures. This is factored into the formulation of thermal barrier coatings, so they are also corrosion-resistant.
4. Thermal Shock Resistance
In many applications, rapid temperature changes, or thermal cycling, can cause cracking or delaminating of surfaces. Thermal barrier coatings prevent damage caused by sudden and extreme temperature changes.
5. Cost-Effective
Instead of replacing parts that are worn, corroded, damaged, or fatigued due to extreme temperatures, thermal barrier coatings help to prolong component lifespan. This reduces material waste, maintenance expenses, and general consumption.
6. Design Flexibility
The different metal spraying processes mean that thermal barrier coatings can be used on various parts. Coatings can be used on components that have complex geometries, yet still be effective, and not compromise the original shape. Whether a part has specific dimensions, space constraints, or a sophisticated design, thermal barrier coatings offer a solution, making them versatile and suitable for many industry applications.
Thermal Barrier Coatings Vs. Traditional Insulation For Buildings
Thermal barrier coatings can be used across many applications. Their many benefits make for an ideal building insulation solution.
Various materials have been used historically in building envelopes, such as fibreglass, cellulose, mineral wool, and foam. Thermal barrier coatings offer a highly versatile answer to improving insulation performance and energy efficiency in buildings.
Through simple application, thermal barrier coatings can be utilised in a building’s envelope. Once sealed, the thermal barrier coating will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the environmental sustainability of a building.
Thermal barrier coatings can be used for exterior walls, interior walls, roofs, windows, or applied to building materials.
Is innovative insulation technology going to achieve the best results, against the long-standing methods?
Thermal Barrier Coatings Vs. Traditional Insulation
Primary Function
- TBCs are used to reflect and reduce thermal transfer from external forces.
- Traditional insulation methods reduce conductive and convective modes of heat transfer.
Composition
- TBCs are advanced molten materials, such as ceramics and metallic oxides, which bond as a firm coating once sprayed onto a substrate.
- Traditional insulation methods are made from fibreglass, cellulose, mineral wool, or foam.
Thermal Performance
- TBCs are highly resistant to heat and radiation and possess thermal insulation properties.
- Traditional insulation methods vary in thermal performance, most are good at reducing conductive and convective heat transfer.
Reflectivity
- TBCs are known for their high reflectivity, making them efficient for reducing heat transfer from solar radiation.
- Traditional insulation methods are not known for being highly reflective.
Thickness
- TBCs are extremely thin, meaning they can be effective in numerous applications, even when there are spatial constraints.
- Traditional insulation methods usually require significant thickness to achieve optimal thermal performance.
Durability
- TBCs are highly durable and require little maintenance or replacement. They are resistant to environmental factors such as UV radiation, moisture, and thermal cycling.
- Traditional insulation materials are known to degrade over time and are susceptible to moisture damage.
Fire Resistance
- TBCs are highly fire-resistant. When applied to the envelope of a building, it will significantly protect it against fire damage.
- Some traditional insulation methods, like mineral wool, are fire-resistant. Others may require further fire retardants.
Environmental Impact
- TBCs require smaller quantities of advanced, sustainable materials, and still achieve a high insulative efficiency. Therefore, they require little material consumption.
- The environmental friendliness of traditional insulation methods majorly varies, with some methods having a significant environmental impact.
Alphatek’s Take On Thermal Barrier Coatings Vs. Traditional Insulation
So, what are your final thoughts on thermal barrier coatings vs. traditional insulation? To us, thermal barrier coatings are the obvious winner. Even if you were to favour traditional insulation, using a combination of the two would help you achieve optimal insulation results.
At Alphatek, we specialise in all things specialise in thermal spraying. Many of our proprietary products have been developed to meet customer specifications. We are consistently evolving to meet client needs and deliver the highest quality coatings.
Whether you work in the building and construction industry, automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, food & beverage, or any other industry that requires insulating materials, we might be able to help.
Contact us if you would like more information about thermal barrier coatings vs. Traditional insulation or if you have any questions!
