Thermal Barrier Coatings for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rims

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates thermal barrier coatings for carbon fiber reinforced polymer rims used in the automobile industry. The matrix in the carbon fiber reinforced polymer rims are temperature sensitive and therefore the mechanical performance may reduce when heat is generated in the wheelhouse during braking. Therefore the rims requires thermal protection. The aim of this study is to propose a suitable thermal barrier coating. A literature review was conducted and test panels with a 𝐴𝑙!𝑂" + 𝑌𝑆𝑍- coating, a 𝐴𝑙!𝑂"-coating and a Cerakote-based coating were manufactured. These coatings were then compared in a simplified experimental setup to evaluate their thermal insulation performance. The 𝐴𝑙!𝑂" + 𝑌𝑆𝑍- coating provided the highest thermal insulation performance. Additionally, different application methods were addressed in the literature review to provide a suitable method for applying the thermal barrier coating. The 𝐴𝑙!𝑂" + 𝑌𝑆𝑍- coating and 𝐴𝑙!𝑂"-coating were also discussed with regards to thermal stability and interface stability, based on previous research. Based on the experimental results and literature findings, the 𝐴𝑙!𝑂" + 𝑌𝑆𝑍- coating is suggested as a suitable thermal barrier coating. The suggested application method is plasma spraying, however a metallic interlayer should be considered to ensure interface stability.