Ceramic Vs. Cermet Coatings: What To Consider
When choosing a pipe coating for your plumbing system, you may be debating between ceramic and cermet coatings. There is no one size fits all answer as to which one is best; it will all depend on the qualities you require, which will be based on the environmental conditions your pipes are performing under.
In this article, we share with you more about the qualities of both ceramic and cermet coatings, allowing you to make a well-informed decision!
Understanding the Two Different Materials
In order to understand the differences between the two materials, you will first have to know what they are. Ceramics is a hard and brittle material that is obtained by burning nonmetallic minerals and rocks at a high temperature.
On the other hand, cermet is considered a composite material as it is made up of both ceramic and metals, such as cobalt and nickel. Most cermets are predominantly made up of ceramic, with metal particles being attached to them.
In a sense, cermet can provide you with the best of both worlds as it is used in applications where neither ceramic nor metal alone would suffice. This is most often in industrial applications. Cermet is particularly known for its wear resistance under unlubricated conditions.
Hardness and Toughness
One well-known fact about ceramic is how resistant it is against abrasion. This ensures that it will hold up well against harsh environmental conditions and maintain the structural integrity of your pipes.
However, if your pipes need to perform under conditions of high mechanical stress, you may find that cermet coating is a better option. It is able to provide excellent friction when rubbing against metal surfaces, hard surfaces as well as other cermet-coated surfaces.
Thermal Resistance
Next, let’s take a look back at thermal resistance. If your plumbing system is involved in the process of heat transfer, you will find that cermet coating suits your purposes better as it is able to perform well under extreme fluctuations in temperature. This is especially true if there are stabilizing additives, such as magnesium, added to the coating.
Corrosion Resistance
Maybe what you are looking for is superior corrosion resistance. After all, you want your plumbing system to continue being used for as long as possible. When it comes to protection against corrosion, you will want to opt for ceramic coating over cermet coating.
A&A Thermal Spray Coatings Can Provide You with the Solutions You Need
Regardless of the specific coating material that suits your purposes, you can be sure of finding it at A&A Thermal Spray Coatings. If you are unsure which material will best suit your needs, our team is able to provide you with a recommendation after understanding your concerns and requirements. We are committed to meeting our customer’s needs and solving any problems you may have, which is what has allowed us to develop as an industry leader since our inception more than 70 years ago!
