Our coatings – Advanced protection for carbon-based materials
To adapt our materials in the best manner for your requirements, we use ceramic, metallic, polymer-based or carbon coatings. This offers a wide range of possibilities to make our materials even better for your application, e.g. through
- Protection from mechanical wear
- Stability in aggressive chemical environments
- Improved oxidation stability in hot gas streams
- Antifouling behavior in chemical processes
To offer you the best possible solution, we continuously strengthen our knowledge with our partners in the fields of chemical and physical vapor deposition (CVD, PVD), plasma coating, (electro-)chemical deposition, etc.
We consider ourselves as a development partner for your projects
Let’s discuss your project! We look forward to jointly develop a customized solution for your challenge going beyond what is state of the art.
R&D application examples
Our carbon materials offer solutions in various challenging conditions. With the right coating, the limits are pushed even further. Applications of silicon carbide gradient coatings and antistick coatings are presented below on an exemplary basis:
Silicon carbide (SiC) gradient coatings for burner nozzles and heating elements
Capitalizing on its temperature stability, graphite is used for burner nozzles, heating elements, etc. Nevertheless, if it comes in contact with oxygen, either in normal operation or due to a failure, graphite will degrade. Here, SiC gradient coatings can significantly reduce oxidation while reducing mechanical wear at the same time.
Effectiveness against fouling with antistick coating for heat exchangers
Due to its excellent heat conductivity and chemical stability, graphite is perfectly suited for heat exchangers in demanding environments. Depending on the operating conditions, fouling is a major challenge for all heat exchangers. Our coatings reduce fouling, which enables longer service and cleaning intervals.
R&D material examples
Each challenge needs its own solution. Combining our material with innovative coating systems expands horizons! Discover a small, exemplary selection of coating systems which extend the application scope of carbon-based substrate materials.
Silicon carbide gradient coatings for wear and oxidation protection
A SiC gradient coating combines the beneficial properties of classical SiC coatings, such as the distinctive protection from thermal, chemical or mechanical stress, with increased stability during thermoshock and cyclic loads. This is achieved by the interlocking structure of the graphite base material with the SiC coating.
Pyrolytic carbon (PyC) coatings for low permeability
In chemical engineering, low gas permeability and high chemical stability are essential. This can be guaranteed by PyC coatings. Furthermore, PyC infiltrated carbon fiber preforms are currently used in aircraft brakes, heat shields, or melting crucibles.
Polymer coatings on graphite and carbon-based composites for enhanced chemical stability
Polymer coatings - in particular fluoropolymers (e.g. PTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, etc.) - are broadly used in harsh chemical conditions. They are inert to a wide range of chemical attacks and provide antifouling behavior. Hence, carbon materials with fluoropolymer coatings are perfectly suited for chemical process equipment.
Coatings on carbon – Further development opportunities
SGL Carbon's broad material and product know-how, in combination with state of the art coating systems, can unleash unexpected potential:
- Diamond coatings for mechanical and (electro)chemical applications
- Diamond-like coatings for wear protection (also on CFRP)
- Coatings of ceramic particles for increased surface roughness
- Nickel or copper coating of carbon fibers and various graphites for adapting electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, etc.
- And many more
