Zircotec coating protects metallic components in H2 engines

Ceramic coating spray application process (Photo: Zircotec)

UK_based Zircotec has reported that it has developed and tested hydrogen barrier coatings for use in H2 internal combustion engines.

As a supplier to the Innovate UK APC-18 project, which is led by the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), Zircotec developed the coatings to combat the negative effect hydrogen can have on some metals.

Working with Project Brunel partners Johnson Matthey, PHINIA and Cummins, the barrier coatings are now said to be ‘market ready’.

“We’re delighted to have played an important role in the successful delivery of APC-18, with our coatings enabling the safe use of high-risk materials for combustion engine internals,” said Dominic Graham, Engineering director.

“The research and development process yielded valuable insights and technologies that have underlined our position at the forefront of material science for future mobility solutions.”

The project has helped to build Zircotec’s technical capabilities in materials testing and analysis.

Since the APC-18 project was launched three years ago, the company has established a new research laboratory called ‘Z Lab’ where it can conduct material sectioning and analysis, environmental testing, and simulations. It has also established a new rig to test for hydrogen permeation, in association with Cranfield University.

Working on the APC-18 project has further led to development of other coatings solutions for another APC project, CeraBEV (Ceramics for Battery Electric Vehicles).

Terry Graham, Zircotec CEO, said: “We’ve taken the knowledge gained from APC-18 and applied it to the EV sector through our lead status on the CeraBEV project which addresses critical thermal and electrical challenges in battery systems, helping to improve efficiency, safety, and performance.”